Reviews

While some folks like to use (and abuse) the term "insurgent country" to brand anything that resembles twangy punk rock, Cropduster inspires a whole new label - "eccentric country." The band spices up competent, edgy playing and time-tested, traditional song-writing with indie rock wit and audacity, distorted vocal babble, unexpected loopy harmonies and guitar effects. Titles such as "Token Country Song/Post Punk Era Depression," "War is Hell" and the excellent "Rocks" (it does) smirk with Pavement-like irony, giving Cropduster's blue collar tunes a cerebral, grad school twist. But, despite the very unrootsy references to Quaaludes and Chinese food, these New Jersey/New York residents construct their true identity with their musicianship and their ingenuity. Whatever the case, Cropduster's on to something; the group has garnered enough airplay to crack CMJ's Radio 200. - Jordan Mamone
The opener, "Trevor Trailer Trash," is a very cool blend of garage rock, rockabilly, country, grunge, and indie-pop, believe it or not! Most of the disc is more straightforward indie-rock with plenty of poppy jangle. "Animal Crackers" has kind of a bluesey rock feel, a little bit like the Stones, but better, while "Rocks" is a louder, heavier, faster grunge-like tune. Overall, a pretty solid, likable effort. - Paul Silver - Jersey Beat (#64 January)
Lest we forget: Though the state of music is as dull and homogenous as ever, good music is still being made and put out independently. And though it is harder to find gems in situations lacking advertising and radio airplay, it is frequently worth the effort. Case in point - this nugget.
Cropduster is a kickin' little quartet from New Jersey whose self-titled debut EP, on its own label, is as fresh and exciting as anything happening right now. This band takes roots sounds and turns them on their ear, with lots of rough-edged, barely controlled country riffs and beats, captured by surprisingly good studio technology. The lyrics are intelligent and funny, and you will have as much fun listening to this as, clearly, Cropduster had making it.
All the songs are good. Tracks like "Never" address the frantic goofiness of the Presidents of the United States, while "Rocks" and "Blizzard of Doom" recall the incomparible Replacements, in execution and attitude. "Animal Crackers," with its looping blues, brings to mind Royal Fingerbowl, and other tracks would fit comfortably with some of Steve Poltz's best Rugburns songs. Cropduster is self-referential but never self-conscious, a perfect combination. This CD is a blast! - Carrie Simison - Independent (July 15-21,1999)
Mining territory somewhere between grunge and alt-rock, Cropduster's self-produced release should grab the attention of a record label, and deservedly so. The lead singer is armed with a confident growl, and the musicians rock hard through the likes of Nirvana ("Point the Finger") and Archers of Loaf ("Never") noise... Cropduster is filled with energy and refined ideas. Their live shows and next release should be eagerly awaited. -James Coyle (Occulus)

If Ihated this band, I'd call them "Cock-dumper," but this album so royally kicked my ass, my petty, juvenile name-calling skills are rendered useless on this hearty Cracker Barrel-sized serving of cow-tippin' insta-classics, as comfy around the campfire as they are in any college dive juke joint.
Avoiding the studded straightjacket of "alt-country," check out "Point the Finger," replete with it's exploding boom-box interlude to realize this ain't your No Depression band. They've got roots, but they replace any over wrought Gram Parsons projections with stylistic diversions such as "Never," which rings of the mounting tension of Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart."
Further monkey wrenches on formula include the J. Richman-esque youthful yearnings of "Animal Crackers," which, like drugs, we're all still eating even though they aren't as much fun - unlike great music such as this; the only thing that can be as good as the first time. - Chris Uhl (Aquarian)
Cropduster Plows Into Mohawk Place - Every so often you will come across a band that sounds really good playing live in a tightly cramped bar. The group feeds off the energy of the crowd and in return offers witty insights in to the lives of the average Joe Blow. Cropduster is such a band. Listening to them brings images of drinking at some sophisticated keg party, which I should remind you is not necessarily a bad thing. The songs blend together to form an unrelenting assault of beer-fueled garage rock mixed with some twangy country offerings. Interested? Check out Cropduster when they play this Friday, Feb 18th at Mohawk Place.
Cropduster's self-titled debut CD isn't anything you haven't heard before, but the band refuses to be ignored. They push through rockabilly, country, indie rock, and blues and pull it all together to create a CD that cannot be easily categorized but nevertheless echoes in your head after you've turned off the stereo. Cropduster is a quartet from Jersey who have definitely found their niche and nothing more than to make audiences happy everywhere.
With the collection of songs from the CD, this should not be that difficult to achieve. The disk starts rocking right from the beginning with the track "Trevor Trailer Trash." It's fast paced with neat little hooks, and immediately displays the group's songwriting talent. Like a teenage queen / David Bowie record / scratching Bob Dylan's ass / It's Trevor trailer trash are only a few of the quips featured on track #1. The song "Animal Crackers" reminds the kids out there of what bands like the Stones worked so to perfect. Another great track from the CD is "Post Punk Era Depression," which is a slightly more than tongue-in-cheek look at what the message behind songwriting is. At times it sounds like Cropduster is ripping off other bands ripping off themselves, but rest assured, they are in no way ripping off their audiences.
Cropduster's debut contains everything an unemployed, fame-seeking artist could ever hope for. It thoroughly rocks, but shows enough restraint to slow down and take it easy with laid-back guitar riffs and smooth, clear vocals that almost lull you to sleep - until you nearly break your neck as the band starts cooking again. This band is without a doubt worth the five bucks you'll pay at the door. - Dallas Belge (ArtVoice v11n7)