KANAK “Crash”

New Jersey rockers KANAK are thrilled to share their exhilarating music video for the propulsive track “Crash.” Lead singer/ songwriter Tom Kanach explains about the track, “The song, ‘Crash’ is about the internal struggle to manage the daily turns of life while navigating its many varied temptations.” “Crash” unfolds a gripping narrative of recklessness, realization, and the aftermath of life’s unexpected twists. The song opens up with a sense of urgency, capturing the thrill of speed and bracing for impact for what lies ahead.

In the songwriting process, the band blended punk and psychedelia which strongly embrace the video’s theme. Tom adds, “We wanted the video to reflect this theme through its pace and imagery, using fast cuts, and overlapping the band performance with lots of motion.”

This music video and single is taken from the band’s raw and gritty EP On The Outside which came out this past spring via Pop Clique/The Orchard.

Kanak’s EP On The Outside features the elevated single “Without A Clue,” and dives headfirst into “Not Right Now” which kicks the EP into high gear with its high-octane rock and punk delivery, with similar sounds to notable bands like Bad Religion or The Smithereens. They unravel the disillusionment and the unmasking of superficiality in the driving rocker “Disguise.” The heartbroken ballad “Too Late” explores the short closing finality of a relationship. The reflective, guitar-shredded “Outside” steers into the propulsive “Crash,” plunging deep into the dark substance abuse of the lyrics “A good friend of mine was going through some addiction issues,” Tom says. “In his line of work, he is constantly around temptation: music, drugs, and alcohol. His discipline inspired the song, prompting me to empathize with his struggle. I am very happy with the way I think the music captures the stagger of someone reeling with indecision and that delicate dance around profound choices.”

The band previously recorded their EP with legendary producer and mixer Ed Stasium (The Ramones, Talking Heads, Motörhead) who had worked with guitarist Johnny Rao on a past project; the band was hopeful to work with him and were shocked when he said “yes.” “Having three guitar players is a challenge and we thought Ed would be the perfect fit for us,” Tom explained. “So, Johnny called Ed and he agreed to listen to the songs. He loved them and we flew out to San Diego to record them.” Drummer Steve Brown adds, “I knew he was the right guy for us when we just started recording the first song and I asked for more snare in my headphones. Ed said, “Fuck you.” It broke the ice.”

Big supporter and close friend of the band, Matt Pinfield praises, “There is a clear reason why legendary producer/mixer Ed Stasium who was at the controls for the Ramones, Talking Heads, Smithereens, Motörhead and The Replacements, is putting his talents behind the exciting and promising New Jersey band Kanak.”

Tom Kanach is an established veteran of the thriving New Jersey rock scene playing in influental NJ bands such as Grimace, Well of Souls, and Mischief. He has built a formidable reputation and concrete friendships with the traversed genres of bands such as; Lords of the New Church to even Stiv Bators of the Dead Boys. With his direct attention and energy now on his band Kanak, he’s ready to propel the band far and beyond. If you didn’t know about Tom, besides music, he is an extremely talented cook and enjoys cooking in his spare time, some of his favorite dishes that he makes are Butternut squash, Italian Sausage Soup, King Oyster Mushrooms in lime garlic sauce, Goat cheese quesadillas with basil balsamic vinegarette and Feta cheese in phyllo dough with honey. Another interesting fact about Tom is that he works in fashion, and can talk to you for hours about fashion sustainability and the negative environmental impact of the fashion industry. He is also extremely open to speaking about his mental health and struggles specifically with Anxiety, the songs on On The Outside have to do with his mental health struggles. “When you’re on the outside, it becomes a powerful mantra, emphasizing the persistent feeling of being on the fringes, separated from the mainstream,” says Tom.'”

KANAK is Tom Kanach (vocals, guitars), guitarists Johnny Rao (David Johansen Band / Sylvain Sylvain), Peter Wood (Dramarama), bassist Joe Rowley and drummer Steve Brown. The new video for “Crash” is out now and you can stream/purchase the band’s EP_ On The Outside via_ Pop Clique / The Orchard HERE: https://orcd.co/6l4pxrd .

TOUR DATES

August 31st – NYC at Parkside Lounge 
September 21st – NYC At Parkside Lounge
Sep 28 – Montclair, NJ At Tierney’s
January 11 – Pittsburgh, PA At Cattivo

-Official bio