release date: 03.10.2025 on iapetus Media
Crank is the sound of surrendering to the process—and discovering fully formed songs on the other side. In just two whirlwind days in Berlin, Jacksonville-based songwriter Andy Toomey and his collaborators built the album from the ground up.
On the first day, the musicians laid down instrumental foundations without preconceptions. On the second, Andy stepped in front of the microphone and delivered lyrics and melodies spontaneously. What might sound like chaos in lesser hands instead emerged as tight, focused, and powerful songs—each with its own character and authority.
The team behind Crank is formidable:
Andy Toomey (Jacksonville, Florida) brings his sharp lyricism and commanding bass playing, weaving together themes of intimacy, unrest, satire, and survival
Markus Reuter, acclaimed internationally for his work with Stick Men, centrozoon, and as a pioneering touch guitarist, composer and producer, adds his distinctive harmonic and textural voice both via his guitar and keyboard playing.
Bernhard Wöstheinrich, known both as The Redundant Rocker and for countless electronic projects, expands the sonic field with immersive samples and synthesizers.
Shawn Crowder, drummer of the boundary-pushing electro-jazz duo Sungazer (with Adam Neely), drives the songs with groove, precision, and explosive dynamics.
Together, they forged a record that feels urgent, deliberate, and alive. Songs like “Berlin After Dark,” “Disappeared,” and “Dear Leader” pulse with tension and clarity—never meandering, never unfocused.
Crank proves that when musicians step into risk with trust and intention, the result isn’t randomness but revelation. These songs don’t sound discovered by chance—they sound destined.
credits
Andy Toomey: Bass, Lyrics & Vox
Markus Reuter: Touch Guitar, Electric Piano, Piano, Sampled Vox, Mellotron, Bass Synth, Synthesizer
Bernhard Wöstheinrich: Samples & Sounds, Synthesizer
Shawn Crowder: Acoustic Drums & Electronic Percussion
Al Weiss: Saxophone on “More”
Engineered by Guy Sternberg @ LowSwing Studios Berlin
Arranged by Andy & Markus
Mixed by Markus & Fabio Trentini
Mastered by Erik Emil Eskildsen
Produced by Markus Reuter