It’s easy to develop a crush on the latest track by Detroit-based glitter punks Hayley and the Crushers. It’s not just their chronically catchy melodies. Their consistent output. Their willingness to connect with fans via all kinds of media: Substack listicles, podcast-style audio posts on YouTube, pitch-perfect album releases, etc. The song is dynamic and fun.
The latest addition to their impressive artistic repetoire is a music video directed by frontwoman Hayley Cain for a song that has been their set-closer for years. The band honors the song ‘Jewel Case’ by blessing it with a fresh video and fresh recording, staying true to the song’s intention while sprinkling in new vocal stylizations that highlight the song’s catchiness in a new way.
When discussing ‘Jewel Case,’ which was first released ten years ago in their debut album (also named ‘Jewel Case’) the band admits it was recorded before they got a handle on their sound. They sometimes refer to it as “their first demo.”
About that initial release, Cain says:
I will never take it off the internet. I will never disown it, because, as they say, if you’re not… feeling a little squeamish about your older work, you aren’t evolving. We should all look at our work even from one year ago and go, huh I’ve improved or I’ve learned something…I am a firm believer in showing your work…. It’s also a great thing for bands to be humble.”
In the second round of ‘Jewel Case’, Hayley and the Crushers take the opportunity to craft a music video directed by Cain with the support of friends. It captures the song’s levity, the band’s propensity toward glam, and the intelligence to retain what works while refining what needs strengthening.
If you want to chance to assess the song as their closer, Hayley and the Crushers are presently touring.
Headline Shows
Fri, Apr 24 — Louisville, KY — Seidenfadens
Sat, Apr 25 — Indianapolis, IN — Melody Inn
Opening for Screeching Weasel and Dwarves
Sat, May 23 — The Oriental Theater in Denver, CO
Follow Hayley and the Crushers on Instagram | YouTube | Spotify | Official Site | Substack