Crom-Tech

Blending the speed of death metal, innovation of punk and indie rock, and even elements of jazz, Crom-Tech produced a distinct, challenging sound. Ian MacKye once lauded the band on National Public Radio. Singer/guitarist Mick Barr moved from Connecticut to Washington, D.C., where he met drummer Malcolm McDuffie (Metamatics, Hollow Mountain). Taking their name from a college in a short story Barr had written, the twosome eschewed melodies and normal lyrics for abrasive, fast music and Barr's made-up words and sounds. They played a couple parties and decided to record a 7" EP. The debut album, released on Ixor Stix, drew the attention of Gravity Records, which released a CD of tracks averaging about a minute. After a 12-song EP on Slowdime and touring with the likes of Unwound, the band broke up in 1998. Barr went on to play in a solo act called Octis and a group named Orthrelm.