This Is Only a Test is the debut EP from american indie rock band Crooked Cranes. It’s a short ride that clocks in just under twenty MINUTES BUT shows the band channelling an impeccably fun and infeccious alternative rock energy with ease. Across its six songs we see the band exploring several corners of 90s indie rock, mostly giving into the gritty power pop from Teenage Fanclub and Imperial Teen.
The North Carolina-based trio was formed by high school friends, and the chemistry that encircles this album is palpable all throughout it. According to the band themselves, This Is Only a Test was “conceptualized and recorded all in the same basement that several of us lost not only a virginities in but also a few brain cells”, and the synergy that flows through the tracks feels special and unique.
Their debut EP does an excellent job in seeking inspiration in the past, as the members seem devoted to the 90s alternative rock scene and comment on how much of an influence acts like Dinosaur Jr. and The White Stripes are to them. The record offers a fascinating mixture of introspective storytelling, especially on tracks like “Met A Gurl”, and a thrilling recognizable sound that drowns in distorted guitars and uplifting melodies.
This Is Only a Test by Crooked Cranes shines with a refreshingly laid-back approach to the songwriting and the production, never taking itself too seriously, all the time while still sounding dead-serious when it has to. Their lyricism covers a wide range of subjects that go from infidelity and divorce to fun times just hanging out with friends and feeling comfortable, and the trio knows exactly how to navigate such themes with a carefree attitude no matter how dark it gets.
Capturing the essence of youth perfectly, This Is Only a Test highlights the band’s ability to mash together several influences into their own sound. Crafting challenging and intriguing dynamics, like on the J Mascis-coded “Dolfin” or how much closer “NeWay” could make Built to Spill proud, Crooked Cranes sounds anachronistic and timeless in the best possible ways.
It’s always nice when a debut EP like this comes along, it’s something that just feels easy and inviting. You know exactly where every reference comes from, and yet it’s a record that leaves you wanting more – it’s like a dream come true for any fan of ’90s rock done by people who actually cherish it and hold it close to their hearts. If this is truly is only a test, I’d say Crooked Cranes passed it with flying colors.
STREAM “THIS IS ONLY A TEST” NOW!
THIS IS ONLY A TEST IS THE DEBUT EP FROM AMERICAN INDIE ROCK BAND CROOKED CRANES. IT’S A SHORT RIDE THAT CLOCKS IN JUST UNDER TWENTY MINUTES, BUT SHOWS THE BAND CHANNELLING AN IMPECCABLY FUN AND INFECCIOUS ALTERNATIVE ROCK ENERGY WITH EASE.
Stream on Spotify NOW!
open.spotify.com/intl-es/albu…
— Jpgchief (@jpgchief.bsky.social) 14 de mayo de 2025, 12:52
@jpgchief 🚨#NewMusic🚨 🛑#ListenNow🛑 🔥#DebutEP🔥 New Music Debut EP "This is Only a Test" by #CrookedCranes in this post “Mehico” @Jpgchief @Jpgchief @Jpgchief It's like a dream come true for any fan of '90s rock done by people who actually cherish it and hold it close to their hearts. ⭐LISTEN NOW⭐ #LessThan1000Followers #AlterindieStateOfMind #DebutBandsOffTheRadar #UnknownButEssentials #SickestandDopest #BLOGLT1KF #LT1KF ♬ original sound – Jpgchief
Ver en Threads
Remember to support this project and follow Crooked Cranes on X, TikTok, Apple Music, and Spotify. You can also check out their official website. If you enjoy this music and can provide monetary support, visit the artist’s Bandcamp page.
You can find it in the following Playlists: Less Than 1,000 Followers, Alterindie State Of Mind, Debut Bands (Off The Radar), Unknown but Essentials!, and Sickest & Dopest.
PS If you enjoy discovering new artists and brand-new music, subscribe to this blog Less Than 1,000 Followers, and follow the Playlist with all the artists we have presented here!
If you enjoy this track, don’t forget to give it a green heart when you’re on Spotify and add it to your favorite playlist. This little action saves the track on your music library, helping the artist. You know that the game’s name for us is “support”. Thank you!
FOR MORE DEBUT EPS REVIEWED CLICK HERE
the center didn’t hold