The band, Steven Eagles (guitar, vocals), Nicholas Millard (drums) and Rachel Lavelle (bass), were all just 16 years old when they signed to Shifty Disco after playing just eight gigs as Crackout (named after Brian Krakow, a character in American TV teen drama My So-Called Life). Within four weeks of the label first seeing the band live, they had recorded and released their debut Chuck single. An album was also recorded around this time but was never released. Lavelle was shortly replaced on bass by Jack Dunkley.
Crackout toured with Sick Of It All / 28 Days in late December 2000, where they sold a self-released tape containing early recordings of Breakout and Joey Lost His Mind (both later re-recorded and included on debut album This Is Really Neat). EP1, a 500-limited edition CD with four songs showing early promise, and EP2 shortly followed in 2001. Both EPs came with a free sticker and in a hand-numbered cardboard sleeve, finished with a wax seal (red on EP1, green on EP2). Their debut album, This Is Really Neat, was released that October featuring artwork by Jane Wooster-Scott.
In 2002, plans to release old favourite Volume (the b-side to their first single, later re-recorded and featured on This Is Really Neat) were scrapped when I Am The One was used in an advert for Salomon Sports. Volume was therefore the only Crackout song not released as a single with it's own music video.
After long delays, the band's follow up to This Is Really Neat was released in March 2004. However, the promotion for Oh No! was ended abruptly due to EMI deciding to close down Hut Recordings shortly after the album's release. Whilst making plans for a third album, their producer friend Clive Langer asked them if they were interested in playing on a film soundtrack which he was scoring, which ended up with them being cast for small roles in Brothers of the Head, the 2006 mockumentary based on the 1977 novel by Brian Aldiss.
In 2005, Crackout toyed with the idea of adding an extra member to provide them with options with guitars, keyboards and backing vocals live. This lead to a few low-key gigs with additional member Simon in October that year. After playing these gigs, however, they felt like too much time had passed since their last shows and decided to disband Crackout.
However, 2006 saw Steven, Nick, Jack and Simon now playing in a new group called Blackholes, who released The Alcohol EP themselves through their MySpace profile, featuring a couple of tracks played at their last few Crackout gigs.
Eagles, Millard and Dunkley have also played in French pop act Vanessa & The O's on a few of their live shows.
It was announced in 2007 that Dunkley had left due to 'creative differences', with Alex Szrok replacing him on bass. In September, it was announced that Blackholes had decided to regroup, renaming the band 'Out Of The Afternoon' and that they had brought in Anna Sales on keyboard and vocals. The newest project at present has a more jazzy sound than previously, with "Alcohol," a slow jazz song being the only 'Blackholes' track used on their myspace profile.
In March 2008 the band signed to Leeds Label 'Tip Toe Records' and released there first EP in April
This Is What We Do
Crackout Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I'm buying a new one too
And I'll talk in a whisper
'Cause this is what we do
This is what we do
Not breaking a vessel
Not even a race of pulse
'Cause this is what we do
This is what we do
And I guess you've been there too
For flying
And I suppose I won't get through
But you'll hear me
And I'll say what I will use
'Cause I'm worn out and nothing's left to use
I'm making an offer
But it's one that you can refuse
And you'll learn how to spot her
'Cause this is what we do
I'm caught in a spiral
But it can be nice to lose
Not stuck in denial
'Cause this is what we do
The song "This Is What We Do" by Crackout talks about accepting one's situation, even if it means breaking a mirror and buying a new one, or talking in a whisper. The lyrics suggest that sometimes it's not worth getting stressed over small things, and this is simply what we do. The singer also talks about being caught in a spiral which, although it can be nice to lose oneself in it, it's important to not get stuck in denial, thus suggesting that one should be aware but not attempt to control everything.
The song has an upbeat melody which is helped along by the fast-paced drums and constant guitar strumming. The chorus is a repetition of the title phrase, and it is catchy and easy to sing along to, making it a popular choice for gigs or parties.
The song resonates with people who have walked down that road where they feel helpless and unable to control things around them. The lyrics suggest that while bad things might happen, and one might feel like they are caught in a spiral, they can accept the situation and move on. It's okay to break things, whisper or make offers that can be refused.
Overall, "This Is What We Do" by Crackout is a therapy song that encourages acceptance of situations while still remaining optimistic, which is why it is a popular song that people can relate to.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm breaking a mirror
I'm breaking a mirror, not a glass, but a mirror reflecting the self-image, to break free from it and start afresh.
And I'm buying a new one too
I'm buying a new mirror to reflect the positive changes that are to come, rather than dwelling on the past.
And I'll talk in a whisper
I'll talk in a whisper, lowering my voice to listen deeply and mindfully to the inner self, and the world around me.
'Cause this is what we do
This is what we do, listening to the subtle voice within, and following our instincts and intuition towards growth and healing.
Not breaking a vessel
Not losing control or getting overwhelmed, but maintaining a sense of calm and composure in difficult situations.
Not even a race of pulse
Not letting anxiety or fear take over, but keeping a steady heart rate and breathing pattern, even in stressful times.
It's not worth getting stressed for
It's not worth getting stressed for, because letting go of control and accepting what we can't change can often lead to new opportunities and positive outcomes.
'Cause this is what we do
This is what we do, focusing on what we can control and letting go of our attachment to what we can't control, for our mental and emotional wellbeing.
And I guess you've been there too
And I guess you've been there too, facing difficulties and trying to make sense of life's challenges, just like me.
For flying
For flying, taking risks, and pursuing our dreams, despite the fear of falling and failing.
And I suppose I won't get through
And I suppose I won't get through, overcoming all the obstacles and challenges instantly, but I'll keep trying and taking small steps forward.
But you'll hear me
But you'll hear me, expressing my thoughts and feelings, communicating my needs, and not giving up hope.
And I'll say what I will use
And I'll say what I will use, communicating mindfully, choosing my words and tone carefully, and staying true to my values and beliefs.
'Cause I'm worn out and nothing's left to use
Because I'm worn out and nothing's left to use, feeling tired and exhausted, having depleted my emotional and mental resources, but still holding on to hope and faith in the future.
I'm making an offer
I'm making an offer, presenting an opportunity or proposal, which may or may not be accepted, but it's worth trying.
But it's one that you can refuse
But it's one that you can refuse, respecting the other person's autonomy and choices, not pushing too hard or forcing anyone to do something against their will.
And you'll learn how to spot her
And you'll learn how to spot her, recognizing the signs and signals of something valuable, whether it's a person, a thing, or an idea, and not missing out on the opportunity.
'Cause this is what we do
This is what we do, taking risks, making offers, and learning from our mistakes, moving forward with courage and openness.
I'm caught in a spiral
I'm caught in a spiral, feeling stuck or trapped, going around in circles, without making any progress or breakthrough.
But it can be nice to lose
But it can be nice to lose, letting go of control, surrendering to the flow of life, and accepting the inevitable changes and challenges along the way, without judging or resisting them.
Not stuck in denial
Not stuck in denial, facing the reality of the situation, acknowledging the difficulties and obstacles, and finding the courage and strength to keep going.
'Cause this is what we do
This is what we do, accepting the ups and downs of life, embracing the unknown, and exploring the possibilities, without losing hope or enthusiasm.
Contributed by Lincoln S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@slamminboy
Damned i saw this band live at Paris long time ago. I think it was the 22th may 2002. It was the first part of a french band called "Pleymo" at The Elysée Montmartre. I remember stage dived on some songs like "142" and "Break Out". Amazing memories !! GUYS YOU ALWAYS ROCK !!!
@tubesecurity
Hey. I think that video is alright. Quite well done. I might watch it again, send it to a friend!
@mackaybrown4847
This is what we did
@DudeTed
top song from a great albumn. did they make a video for "robots have feelings"?
@skippy646
myspace listentoblackholes : crackout members new band page
@dandan84
nick's no virgin... i know him well! and i know this ito be false.. i also know that it's the sort of joke their manager would make!
@jackdunkley1605
He’s a virgin
@ricd2821
@Jack Dunkley legend
@Takadananobaba112
he's a cheese farmer and possible virgin