Crushed Beaks

Crushed Beaks is a British indie rock outfit that emerged in the early 2010s, initially as a duo consisting of Alex Morris and Matt Poile. Their sound identity is defined by a 'visceral' and 'gut-punching' approach to live performance, which they successfully translated into the studio on their debut LP, Scatter (2015).

Musically, they occupy a space between the melodic sensibilities of indie pop and the aggressive, textured noise of shoegaze and garage rock. A key influence on their aesthetic is horror cinema, which informs the darker, more intense undertones of their songwriting and visual identity. Over their career, particularly with the addition of bassist Scott Bowley, they evolved from a minimalist duo into a more expansive, layered rock act. Critical consensus highlights their ability to maintain a 'trashy' guitar sound while achieving a cinematic scope. They are often associated with the UK's vibrant noise-pop and garage-rock scenes of the mid-2010s, sharing a sonic kinship with bands that prioritize energy and texture over polished production. Their later work, such as Honesty Box, shows a continued commitment to restless, propulsive arrangements and existential lyrical themes.