Crabcoreis aninternet memethat originated in 2007, mockingmetalcoreguitarists who squat low with their legs spread in a "crab-like "stance while performing.[1][2][3]It has been mimicked by a variety of musical groups,[4]leading many magazines and agencies, such asRolling Stone,Houston Press,andNPRto classify it as a jocular musical style, ormicrogenre.[1][5][6][7][8]
Origin and legacy
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"Crabcore" originated in late 2007, and was first seen in a live performance byBlessthefall.While performing "Higinia", former lead singer Craig Mabbitt is seen squatting, almost in a “crab-like” way during thebreakdown.
However, the term "crabcore" was later popularized in reference to theOhiometalcore bandAttack Attack!,who featured a "crab-like" dance during breakdowns in their music video for the 2009 single "Stick Stickly" from the albumSomeday Came Suddenly.[1][7][8]Norwegianblack metalmusicianAbbathof the bandImmortalis similarly known for crouching and walking in a similar fashion to that of a crab during the band's performances and music videos.[9]MetallicabassistRobert Trujillois also known for a similar stance during the band's live concerts, long before the popularization of the term "crabcore".[2]
In an interview with former Attack Attack! vocalistCaleb Shomo,Rolling Stonereporter Kory Grow referred to crabcore as a musical genre; Shomo, however, said he found the term "hilarious" and the band was "just being dumb".[7]ThePhoenix New Timescriticized "Stick Stickly" for its abrupt transitions andauto-tunedvocals, and stated that "crabcore" is "probably not a real genre".[10]According to John McDonnell ofThe Guardian:[1]
"Unlike all the other genres covered in this column, crabcore isn't defined by sonics or BPMs or lyrical content, or tied to a geographic location. Crabcore is defined by the body contortions of the band's guitarists when they perform. This is the lolloping crab-like stance adopted while a guitar player shreds, and it's not dissimilar to asumowrestlerhaving extrememusclespasmswhile readying themselves to engage with an opponent. "
Music associated with "crabcore" and the use of the term itself has been met with criticism.[1][10]On July 13, 2009, former Attack Attack! vocalistNick Barhamwas asked about crabcore in an interview withHardtimes,and said that the band has embraced the meme as a publicity stunt. In a 2010 interview withVillage Voice Media,the band reiterated "people call us crabcore... we just roll with it, it's funny."[11]Attack Attack!'ssecond albumpeaked at No. 26 on theBillboard200,promptingMetal Insiderreporter Zach Shaw to write "Crabcore reached this high on the charts? Indeed a sad day."[12]
In 2011 the animated sitcomSouth ParkepisodeYou're Getting Oldaired, parodying "tweenwave "music, possibly referring to" crabcore ".[13][14]In 2016,Abandon All Ships' bassistMartin Brodatweeted "#defendcrabcore" just prior to the release of their single "Loafting".[4]Members of theextreme metalbandAllegaeonoften perform dressed in crab costumes and imitate the typical stance.[15][16]Many other bands have been referred to as "crabcore" for featuring a similar stance or musical style, includingAsking AlexandriaandThis Romantic Tragedy.[4][6]Crabcore has sometimes been associated withelectronicorecharacteristics, auto-tuned vocals, and excessive breakdowns "one after the other".[10]Merchandise featuring the meme is sold online.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^abcdeMcDonnell, John (June 23, 2009)."Scene and heard: Crabcore".The Guardian.ISSN0261-3077.RetrievedJuly 20,2017.
- ^ab"From Crabcore to Pornogrind: Metal's 10 Most Ridiculous Subgenres".VH1 News.Archivedfrom the original on November 10, 2023.RetrievedJuly 20,2017.
- ^Sun, The Cornell Daily (November 30, 2001)."Student Artist Spotlight: Snorkel Party".The Cornell Daily Sun.RetrievedJuly 20,2017.
- ^abc"5 Bands Defending the 2016 Crabcore-Revival".Kill the Music.RetrievedJuly 20,2017.
- ^Ali, Reyan (December 2, 2010)."Attack Attack! Leads Hardcore Lineup Coming to Revolution".New Times Broward-Palm Beach.RetrievedJuly 20,2017.
- ^ab"Genre Dictionary, 2000-09: From Crabcore to S---gaze".NPR.RetrievedJuly 20,2017.
- ^abc"Beartooth".Rolling Stone.RetrievedJuly 24,2017.
- ^abDeiterman, Corey (October 20, 2015)."Metalcore Bands are Going Mainstream, and It's Painful".Houston Press.RetrievedJuly 24,2017.
- ^Fire, Ice, and Surf Rock: Immortal A to ZVice
- ^abcMoore, Dan (May 13, 2013)."RIP Crabcore: Attack Attack! Are In Phoenix Tonight (But Things Have Changed)".Phoenix New Times.RetrievedJuly 20,2017.
- ^VVMTV (March 20, 2010),SXSW 2010: Attack Attack! Explain Crab Core,retrievedJuly 26,2017
- ^Shaw, Zach (June 16, 2010)."Metal By Numbers 6/16: Attack of the Crabcore - Metal Insider".Metal Insider.RetrievedJuly 26,2017.
- ^"South Park:" You're Getting Old "".June 8, 2011.RetrievedJuly 20,2017.
- ^"Which Musical Genre Was South Park Spoofing With 'Tween Wave'? | Village Voice".June 9, 2011.RetrievedJuly 26,2017.
- ^"Allegaeon Joined Onstage By Man Dressed As Giant Crab".Theprp.August 8, 2014.RetrievedJuly 21,2017.
- ^"This Video from Allegaeon May Be the Best Thing You See Today - A Journal of Musical Things".A Journal of Musical Things.May 8, 2014.RetrievedJuly 21,2017.