Kaya Oatley
8 years in the game and still at it, I’m a photographer and musician based in Bristol. I love the music scene with my whole heart and capturing the little moments that might be missed is all I want to do. Big canon apologist, tiny camera fanatic and fond of anything that reminds me of Frank Ferdinand.
On the verge of releasing their new EP, Crawlers’ latest track ‘AFRAID TO DIE’ is a punchy dose of alt rock straight into the vein.
Crawlers are one of those bands that deserve better. They reached astronomical viral status with ‘Come Over (Again)’ in 2021, when we were all deeply in need of some post-pandemic catharsis. The song told the story of a washed up ex partner sniffing around girls too young for them – a topic that could always use more airtime. It captures a quintessential part of coming of age: looking at someone and realising they were never some great god, just a bit of a loser.
When I say they deserve better, I mean that bands who find fame on platforms like TikTok don’t often get the respect they’re due. Their longevity is questioned, and they’re quick to be sidelined. This song, and this EP, shows how wrong we’d be to do that.
‘AFRAID TO DIE‘ comes out of the gate strong, punchy guitars letting you know you’re about to get a good hit of alt rock straight to the vein. The lyrics walk you through a downward spiral of brushing people off, self-isolating, and eventually suicidal ideation. It speaks closely to an experience of youth that many are familiar with: the question of whether this is the best it’s going to get, and if not, why bother? Holly Minto’s soft timbre and grit weave through the dark subject matter with grace and agility, while the rest of the band creates a wall of sound that feels both precise and deeply emotional — tugging at every heartstring with ease.
As the song goes on, we reach a quiet moment, a fork in the road and a change of heart. The lyrics state: “I’ve changed my mind, I’m afraid to die.” The simple drums and stripped-back section allow the song to breathe, and the tone changes completely. This song isn’t just angst – it’s hope.
I think what I love most about songs like this is that they feel unapologetically young – not in skill or ability, but because they speak to a fraught time in everyone’s life. We are all young once, and to reengage with that angst feels like pure release. And where Crawlers are concerned, we could all do with a little more of their candour in our headphones.
Listen to ‘AFRAID TO DIE‘ here:
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