Reviving yesterday’s classic vintage punk sound, twisting it with hardcore rock and bringing it full-on to today is exactly what Los Angeles’ four-member band Crymwav (pronounced Crime Wave) has done with their remarkable latest single: “Speak No Evil.”
The bodacious song and exceptional music video—the third single from their forthcoming full-length album, due Spring 2026; which follows their 2023 six-song EP titled 24/7–features guest piano, harpsichord performer Roman Jugg of renowned English rock band The Damned, and the music video was filmed by former post-hardcore The Icarus Line frontman Joe Cardamone.
In this extensive OOTB Interview with Crymwav founder and iconic vocalist, guitarist Roger Deering (former Smash Fashion) took time to dive deep and detail the latest song, music video, the band’s sound, influences, thoughts on today’s music and more.
”Speak No Evil” absolutely rocks and I love the vintage black-and-white strobe vibe of the video. When you wrote this song, did the lyrics come first or the music, and how do you build and incorporate the layers with bandmates?
Why thank you very much!
As for the song, I had a few nuggets in the tool chest, so-to-speak.
I had the lyric, “I find this air so suffocating, Can’t fill my Lungs”… and I had the middle break that I had worked out on guitar. But, I didn’t have anything else as far as that song was concerned.
But, after our trip to the UK in March 2025, on our return to the United States, I had a paranoia about going through customs.
This was the first time in my entire life that I actually worried going through customs in America, and I wasn’t even carrying any drugs this time [laughs], but, I was worried about my social media being looked at, as I’ve been critical of a lot of things that are happening here in the states—culturally, politically, and I guess you could say, spiritually.
So, when I got home, the song came to me in a fever. I didn’t overthink it. It dictated itself.
I brought it to the next rehearsal we had and showed it to the fellas. It just all clicked.
I told Stuart [Lloyd Stuart Casson/ lead guitar] that I thought that middle breakdown would be cool with a minor sounding baroque guitar part.
We tracked this song really fast.
As we were listening to the playback, a lightbulb went off in my head.
We had met Roman Jugg when we were in London and he’s such a cool guy, let alone being an ex-member of The Damned. Everyone in the band being such huge fans (Ioved Phantasmagoria!)
And, I said to Stuart: “We should ask Roman to play on this.” And he did!
Stuart and I have been playing together for a long time. He understands where I’m coming from musically and we are able to create layers.
Crymwav has a lot of guitar orchestration. I’d like to think it’s part of our signature sound at this point.
I ended up singing the vocals on the day Ozzy died. Maybe subconsciously it had an effect on the performance. I certainly poured it out.
How did you decide on the imagery of the music video, taking into consideration the songs meaning and lyrics? Specially, the imagery during the breakdown before the guitar solo.
Well, let’s give credit to the director of the video Joe Cardamone (The Icarus Line) and the director of photography, Jacob Mendel.
They had also worked with us on the “Sense Of Adventure” video, so they understood the band’s aesthetic and vibe.
They asked me for a list of images that I felt related to the song, which I sent them. I wanted to convey the horrors of modern life and the crushing boot of technology; the disconnect from what we once knew as humanity. I think a lot of people, specially in my age bracket, are feeling this way.
It feels like it’s [a] colder, crueler world. And to me, the monsters are not of the supernatural kind—they are money, scapegoating, religious fundamentalism, war, big tech keeping data on everything you do.
So, the imagery relates to that kind of stuff.
Joe and Jacob did a great job capturing all this, with stark lighting, great camera work and images.
I think both the videos they’ve done for us elevate the song, and to me it’s more than a music video: it’s art.
Thinking ahead toward the release of the bands debut full length album, what song is your favorite and why that song? What more is in store that listeners can look forward to?
There’s been many favorites as we’ve been working to the finish line. Each song has its own unique twists and turns, musically and lyrically.
As we’ve gone through the mixing process, the one that’s being mixed at that time, that becomes an obsession to make sure it’s right and retain the vibe.
Theres a lot of variety on this record, but it all sounds like Crymwav. Lots of guitar orchestrations. Heavy bass driven sound.
You can definitely hear the influences of what inspired all of us to play music. The Clash, Thin Lizzy, Sisters Of Mercy, UFO, Hawkwind, The Ruts, Agent Orange, Lords of The New Church and others.
There’s an experimental side to my songwriting that pokes through and I’m eager to explore that side even more for the next one.
With the band channeling the likes 80’s hardcore rock and punk influences, what’s your opinion of the state of rock and roll as it is today?
Well, yes, we did all come out of the American hardcore scene of the 80s.
Matter of fact, I first saw Pat Muzingo (drums) play in 1984 in his band Decry at the local punk club I hung out at in Miami, Florida. Stuart was already a guitar god in the DC punk scene back then. Bruce joined my band The Drills in 1987, and was in the band when we moved to LA that same year.
So, there’s definitely a “DIY” mentality to what we do… and that comes from those years.
I try to check out as much new music as possible still. There’s always gonna be cool stuff standing out from the rest of the shit.
I’m not sure if rock music has the cultural impact it once had. A lot of the mystery and mystique is gone.
Social media is a whole different animal. It’s like a meat grinder that can’t get enough content to quell its hunger. So, bands/artists give it all away for the sake of content.
Speaking for myself, I’d rather the music be the priority. But for me, nothing can excite, enchant and bewitch like great rock music. I’m obsessed with Peter Murphy’s last record Silver Shade; what a fucking great record. I know, he’s not a new artist, but it either moves me or it doesn’t.
I’d like to think I’m not jaded, but then again I’ve seen it all, so, it’s gotta be fresh to impress. There’s cool stuff out there… but ya gotta look!
What are Crymwav’s goals and ambitions going into 2026?
First and foremost… to stay alive! It’s getting harder and harder to etch out a living as an artist here in LA.
Second, to finally get this full-length wrapped up and out to the universe… it’s time.
We’ve had a whole lot of obstacles thrown at us while working on this; which only makes it more real and rewarding.
But, I’m anxious to get it out as I’m sitting on a whole new batch of material.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Yes, we have some very cool shows coming up.
We are returning to London in March for a show at the also legendary, Hope & Anchor. We wanna see you all!
C’mon and rock with us.
Thanks for the cool interview… cheers Out Of The Blue Zine!
And remember… don’t take no wooden nickels!
Watch “Speak No Evil”
Crymwav is:
Roger Deering-vocals/rhythm guitar
Lloyd Stuart Casson-lead guitar
Pat Muzingo-Drums
Bruce Braddock-Bass guitar
Connect With Crymwav
http://www.instagram.com/crymwav
http://www.Facebook.com/Crymwav
https://www.youtube.com/@Crymwav
Band Photo: Doug Moore
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