“Derelict Crawl” finds The House Flies sharpening their post-punk instincts into something immediate and forceful. As the opening single from Lions and Ore, the track establishes a commanding rhythm before surrounding it with thick guitars and carefully placed moments of restraint. The contrast gives the song a sense of movement without sacrificing its deliberate pace, while its darker textures place the Moline, Illinois quartet comfortably within the modern gothic and alternative guitar landscape.
The song creates a compelling sense of unease through its combination of dense guitar work, persistent rhythm, and fragmented imagery. References to dial tones, worn leather, summer heat, and physical deterioration contribute to a world that feels worn down and unsettled. The quieter passages are particularly effective, creating pockets of tension before the heavier sections return. This shifting dynamic gives “Derelict Crawl” a physical presence while keeping its atmosphere firmly rooted in the darker side of alternative rock.
The single serves as an accessible doorway into an album that promises considerably more variation. Lions and Ore moves across seven tracks shaped by rural imagery, longer compositions, shifting dynamics, and recurring ideas of decay, isolation, weather, sleep, and old spaces. “Derelict Crawl” represents one of the record’s more straightforward moments, offering a concentrated version of the band’s darker tendencies while deliberately keeping the album’s slower and more atmospheric dimensions concealed.
With the current lineup of Alex Riggen, Burnie Eckhardt, Ozzie Woods, and Nick Pompou, The House Flies demonstrate a growing confidence in their ability to turn dark subject matter into compelling guitar-driven music. “Derelict Crawl” feels immediate without becoming predictable, pairing grit with controlled restraint and a strong sense of atmosphere. It captures the band’s darker instincts while maintaining enough melodic character to remain accessible, marking a confident step forward for a group continuing to carve out its own place within contemporary post-punk.
