Press

Scroll down to find reviews, a selection of interviews, official press photographs and downloadable logos for promotional use. To arrange an interview, or for any other press or promotional matters, contact Lupen Crook’s team here.

Current press shots

Reviews and Responses

2011:

“The comedown from a youthful decade of excess is affectingly set down in this bespoke release from a Word CD veteran. A product of the Medway/Chatham school of blues-folk ne’er-do-wells, Crook has earned the wisdom that has so far eluded Pete Doherty.” – The Word »

“The album finds him in fine voice, reminiscent of David Bowie at times, but it’s in the lyrics that Crook really shines… his most consistent album to date, ‘Waiting for the Post-Man’ is loaded with excellent songs.” – Artrocker **** »

“His refusal to conform to expectations makes him a comparatively unrecognised, yet essential commentator… he certainly stands apart.” – R2 / Rock n Reel **** »

“Blew my socks off… we got a terrific reaction off loads of listeners.” - Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music

“‘Waiting for the Post-Man’ is Lupen’s most prolonged melancholic outpouring, and adds another dimension to a career that has fascinated at every turn. It gets my first ten out of ten review for moving me in a way that music has failed to do for a good while.” – whisperinandhollerin 10/10 »

“A troubadour who has to be heard.” - Howie B, producer and musician

“This is an album about reflection and taking stock. It’s approachable, succinct and perfect. If you’ve never heard any Lupen Crook, you can safely start here… five star stuff.” – The Medway Broadside »

“The thing that always drew me to Lupen Crook was the simmering anger and aggression in his delivery and I’m pleased to say that though the music has mellowed his attitude and spirit remain intact.” – Punk Rock Ist Nicht Tot 9/10 »

“This album is as much a milestone in one life as it is a moving requiem for the death of another’s.” – Shout4music 8/10 »

“Themed around loss and consequence, it has clearly provided catharsis for Crook, and is reflective, contemplative and sobering as a result… work of considerable quality. Overall, a testament to Crook’s escalating talent.” – This is Fake DIY 7/10 »

“Just an all-round awesome album. This record sounds like a long-held breath let out, like the aftermath of trauma, and it feels like balm applied to wounds.” - Velvet Coalmine »

“The man can’t stop throwing out killer songs, killer tunes, and an awesome profusion of ideas that are nigh on incomparable to other music.” - Little Machine Music »

2005 – 2010:

“… indisputable genius. … Sublime stuff.” – The Fly »

“… carnage, chaos and evil genius… a twisted masterpiece of confusing tempos, mammoth choruses and venomous lyrics that combine in haste to drag you down into the darkest corners of life.” – Artrocker 5/5 »

“… Lupen Crook’s songs of modern day dirt and decay have the sort of resonance that has stood London’s best singer/ songwriters from Ray Davies to Peter Perrett in such good stead along the way… In our bland X-Factor-endorsing world, we need cocksure bastards of this calibre to vigorously shake things up.” – Whisperinandhollerin »

“… like a more jaundiced Ray Davies as the song travels from voice and guitar through muscular band punctuation… this is original and highly concentrated stuff.” – Mojo »

“… a dazzling virtuoso … skeletal, finger-picked songs… his voice stretches words beautifully around every nook and cranny. … Who knows what really lurks behind Lupen Crook’s pretty demeanour? Whatever it is, though, it sounds utterly compelling.” – NME »

“… the sound of a soul stripped naked, then strapped to a guitar, set on fire and sent shrieking down the street… Splendidly uncompromising stuff.” – Clash Magazine »

“Lupen Crook is a new-age Fagin… peculiar, witty and mesmeric… from throw-your-knees-up skank ska to lyrical genius that rivals the work of Shakespeare.” – The Medway Broadside »

“… enraged musings on the human condition delivered with Crook’s inimitable spitting tongue.” – NME »

“… a songwriter who has an air of insanity and a genuine edge-of-the-seat brilliance that is both puzzling and highly addictive.” – The Sun »

“… the poster-child for filthy frightening macabre punk-folk. No other performer is as compulsive, capable, raw and downright terrifying to watch… Charisma oozing from every pore, the agitated Crook eyeballs the audience like prey, with intense stares that makes you feel both scared and special.” – Clickmusic »

“Lupen Crook is a bewitching talent. A musical virtuoso… a uniquely twisted mind.” – Uncut »

LIVE PERFORMANCES:

“Listened to in reverie by an appreciative audience, his poignant and personal lyrics, melodic breaks and timely changes were well received… a magical and at times awkward but ultimately rewarding journey.” - windowtreeandlight »

“Came in and literally blew the doors off the place” - Sidewalk Cafe, New York

“This performer is utterly engrossed in his music, barely acknowledging the audience at all. But who needs chat when you’ve got a set list of killer songs?” - RockKent.com »

“He managed to superbly rise above the clamber of the excitable crowd to give a consummate performance.” - Counterfeit Magazine »

“The boy’s a poet … he’s proved an impressive draw, and he gives a shy, soul bearing performance. Great stuff.” - efestivals »