Brian Krumm has played every show as a member of the Great Crusades, back in their starting days in Champaign, now in the relocated home of Chicago. Brian Hunt's been involved a good long while, too. The two have a bond, dating back to their days in the Suede Chain, a midwestern act that would hint at great things before their dissolution in 1995. It more than made sense for them to play together in this band.

Christian Moder, who played with Krumm and Hunt in grade school bands dating back to fifth grade, now stands behind the drumkit for the Great Crusades. Brian Leach, a longtime friend and songwriter in his own right (Autoliner, Sugarbuzz, Last Gentlemen), provides piano and organ textures and adds backup vocals and guitars.

The Great Crusades' debut release, the first spilled drink of the evening, [Parasol.Mud/USA Trocadero/Europe] garnered immediate praise and recognition from U.S. and European press alike. Last year's 4-week tour of Germany and Austria successfully introduced the band's powerful brand of lyrical, heartfelt rock and roll to European audiences.

The band's much anticipated return to Europe this fall will support Glitterhouse Records' release of The Great Crusades' second CD, Damaged Goods. It was recorded in and around Chicago and at various studios in Champaign with Adam Schmitt again at the production helm. The CD cohesively expands upon the band's sound, which has evolved quite nicely since the days of the first spilled drink. Krumm's emotional, story-based lyrics are still the focus point, but the band now exploits a more layered sonic approach, utilizing a more diversified instrumentation to fill out its sound. This naturally accompanied a general sharpening of the band's overall song craft.  The Crusades maintain a rare focus, one that's drawn comparisons to Robbie Robertson, Nick Cave, Gallon Drunk, The Replacements, and Tom Waits, clearly an influence on Krumm's tales of drunken nights and weary days after.

Recent performances in the U.S. to support Damaged Goods prove that the band has picked up right where they left off. The songs are well-executed live, a single lamp illuminating Krumm, registering the same emotions. Sadness. Longing. Clenched-fist optimism. The Great Crusades' songs tell stories with bloodshot eyes and a halo of whiskey, and the songs truly come alive in the Crusades' live shows. The live show is where the band truly hits its stride. Before heading back overseas, an abbreviated U.S. tour will take the band to Atlanta, Athens, Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Nashville, and St. Louis. Expect great things from the band as they support the release of Damaged Goods.