Crawdad Crash has always embraced the raw excitement of garage rock, punk, and classic rock & roll, and “Girls Love Rock & Roll” feels like the natural next step in that journey. Steve “Crawdaddy” Crawford puts together his biggest collection yet, delivering a twenty-song double album that celebrates everything he enjoys about making music. Released on February 12, 2026, this is the tenth overall release from the project since 2021, and it carries the confidence of someone who has found a style that truly fits. The album brings together fifteen original songs and five covers, creating a listening experience that stays fresh from beginning to end. Crawford never tries to overcomplicate the formula. He sticks with energetic performances, memorable melodies, and the kind of guitar-driven spirit that has defined his work from the start. The title track, “Girls Love Rock & Roll”, captures that attitude perfectly, delivering a hard-hitting performance that reflects the fun and carefree mood running throughout the record.
The cover songs are more than simple recreations. Crawford gives each one its own personality while still respecting the originals. “I Woke Up In Love This Morning” arrives with more speed and volume, turning the familiar tune into an energetic garage rock anthem. His version of the Replacements’ “Never Mind” carries plenty of grit while paying tribute to the band’s influence. Those choices show an artist who enjoys putting his own stamp on songs that inspired him without losing sight of why they mattered in the first place. The instrumentals also deserve attention. “Spiderweb Surf Walk” has a playful surf rock feel mixed with a spy movie atmosphere, while “I Wish I Had Just One More Piece Of Chicken” brings plenty of humor and loose, funky energy. These tracks add another layer to the album and help break up the vocal performances without slowing the momentum.
Five songs originally released on the “Where Are The Rock ‘N’ Roll Girls?” EP return here with updated mixes, giving the entire album a more consistent sound. Crawford spent extra time improving the recordings before releasing this project, and that extra care is noticeable throughout. Even with twenty tracks, everything feels connected, making the album easy to enjoy in one sitting or across several listening sessions. One thing I really liked about this album is how genuine it feels. It never sounds like it’s trying to impress anyone. The music simply reflects an artist having fun, and that enjoyment carries through every track. I also appreciated the variety packed into the record. Between the originals, the covers, and the instrumentals, there is always something new waiting around the corner.
There are plenty of entertaining moments scattered across the album, with references to roosters, fried chicken, collard greens, pimento cheese, spiderwebs, snakes, leather, and guillotines adding even more personality to the collection. Those unexpected details give the songs extra charm and remind listeners not to take everything too seriously. “Girls Love Rock & Roll” is an album made with passion, personality, and a clear love for guitar-driven music. If you’re looking for an independent rock release that delivers plenty of energy and doesn’t lose its sense of fun, this one deserves your attention. Be sure to follow Crawdad Crash on your favorite streaming platform and social media channels, give the full album a listen, and add your favorite songs to your playlists. Independent artists grow because listeners keep sharing the music they enjoy, and this record is well worth passing along to anyone who appreciates honest rock & roll.
