Folk-Rock. Though it is not obviously innovative in its instrumentation, 'Four Thirty' is composed and performed with such a lugubrious, intractable voice (Brian Krumm) that the album suddenly gets into an intimate atmosphere, even personal. 'Four Thirty' is folk, rock, country; it creates a mood of excitement and a warmth feeling of return to the impenetrable rock roots (Tom Waits and The Pretenders). It also makes me believe that I've been carried away to another, (far) more pure and unadulterated level of music experience ("I Got Away"). This Chicago´s The Great Crusades fifth album is a fine display of what they're capable of, and should tickle anyone in the mood for roots music. The main attraction is Brian Krumm's haunting voice backed with artfully arranged songs about porchs and hollywood bungalows ("Porch Song" and "Hollywood Bungalow") that recall Americana rock combos like Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds and guitar riffs ŕ la Slobberbone. It all ambles nicely along, but getting lost in these songs proves to be an unforeseen adventure. "Are We Having Fun Anymore?" Recommended. Street Date: August 22, 2006 @ Innocent Words Record Label and The Great Crusades.
