Pure X: Pain & Ascension on New Album

Pure X navigated significant personal challenges, including Nate Grace's skateboarding injury and Jesse Jenkins's breakup, while crafting their second album, 'Crawling Up the Stairs.' This followed their debut, 'Pleasure.'

The band's approach shifted drastically; instead of live recording, they spent eighteen months meticulously detailing 'C.U.T.S.' They intentionally removed the reverb and feedback that characterized 'Pleasure.'

'Crawling Up the Stairs' features a pristine sound, drawing influence from Nashville's polished production. Guitar tones are sharp, and instruments like dulcimer and bowed piano are used distinctly.

This clarity allows vocals to take center stage. Nate Grace's wails are prominent, and Jesse Jenkins shares singing duties, offering a haunting falsetto alongside Grace's intense delivery.

While the new album is more sophisticated than its predecessor, it trades some of the sensual noise for a more self-aware sound. Pure X intends to approach their next record differently.