It’s been a landmark year for Barclay Crenshaw. At the end of 2023, the artist formerly known as Claude VonStroke dropped the alias and started a new chapter in his career under his legal name. This next step has led to the release of several singles and a full album in 2024, titled Open Channel. Now he’s back with a brand new EP – Tiramisu.
The project consists of two tracks, “Tiramisu” and “Flam Joint.” Although both have a sonic continuity hard hitting baselines that are synonymous with this stage of Crenshaw’s career, there is a clear creative separation that underscores his musical versatility.
Starting off the EP is the title track, a junkyard style bass tune in collaboration with Crenshaw’s daughter Ella. Sonically, “Tiramisu” is undoubtedly the hardest hitting song on the EP. Its muddy bassline makes the track feel imposing, but the vocal ad-lips bring a playful joy that offsets the darkness of the track’s production.
Instrumentals have the most room to play on “Tiramisu,” but it’s Crenshaw’s bars that take center stage to close out the EP. On his debut rap single “Cannibal Strings,” Crenshaw spit over his take on a boom-bap type beat. However, his newest single has a distinctly UK-influence that fits the mold of the Tiramisu perfectly.
Crenshaw’s gritty vocals are given space to breathe, andthey provide the tone that ultimately ties the track to “Tiramisu” and makes the EP cohesive. The beat is tied together by snappy style snare hits and string samples that provide a necessary lightness, allowing it to stand out when compared to the title track.
Listeners can catch these new tracks on the remaining shows of Crenshaw’s “Open Channel Tour.” Make sure you get tickets for one of the several remaining shows or festivals that Crenshaw will be headlining to close out one of the most important years for his career yet.
In the meantime, stream Tiramisu wherever you get your music!