Crash of Rhinos

Crash of Rhinos
Crash of Rhinos
Origin	Derby, England
Genres	Emo, math rock, post-hardcore
Years active	2009–2014, 2025-present
Labels	Big Scary Monsters, Topshelf Records, To Lose La Track, Storm Chasers Ltd, STIFF SLACK
Members	Paul Beal; Jim Cork; Ian Draper; Richard J. "Biff" Birkin; Oli Craven;
Website	crashofrhinos.bandcamp.com

Crash of Rhinos are an English emo band from Derby. They were signed to Topshelf Records,^[1] To Lose La Track,^[2] and Big Scary Monsters.

History

Prior to the formation of Crash of Rhinos, Jim Cork, Paul Beal, and Richard J. Birkin had been members of the Little Explorer; and Birkin, Cork, Draper and Craven had been in the Jesus Years.^[3]

Crash of Rhinos was formed in 2009. They released two full-length albums before disbanding in 2014.^[4]^[5]^[6]^[7]^[8] Oli Craven, Ian Draper, and Jim Cork later formed the trio Holding Patterns.

Crash of Rhinos reconvened in 2025 after Italian label Legno approached the band regarding a repress of their first album, Distal. The band agreed to play some shows, but vowed to not to announce activities until they completed a new record. In March 2026, the band announced their reunion with their third studio album, Logbook, to be released 22 May, as well as shows in the UK and Italy that summer.^[9]

Musical style

The band is known for an atypical lineup including two bassists, with all five members on vocals. Their rough punk style echoes earlier emo bands from the 1990s such as Jawbreaker and Burning Airlines.^[10]

Band members

Paul Beal (bass, vocals)
Jim Cork (guitar, vocals)
Ian Draper (bass, vocals)
Richard J. "Biff" Birkin (guitar, vocals)
Oli Craven (drums, vocals)

Discography

Studio albums

Distal (2011)
Knots (2013)
Logbook (2026)

References

^ "Topshelf Records - Crash of Rhinos tour dates, merch, video, discography & more". Archived from the original on 25 December 2014. Retrieved 25 December 2014.
^ "* to lose la track - CRASH OF RHINOS *". Toloselatrack.org.
^ Righetto, Lorenzo. "Crash Of Rhinos :: Interviews". OndaRock (in Italian). Retrieved 10 November 2025.
^ Ham, Robert (23 August 2013). "Crash Of Rhinos - Knots". Altpress.com.
^ "Crash of Rhinos: Knots". Pitchfork.com.
^ "Crash of Rhinos - Distal". Punknews.org. 7 February 2012.
^ "Crash of Rhinos - Distal (album review ) | Sputnikmusic". Sputnikmusic.com.
^ "Break-ups: Crash of Rhinos (2009-2014)". Punknews.org. 21 February 2014.
^ "Crash Of Rhinos Are Back With A New Album After 13 Years, And They Told Us All About It". Stereogum. 20 March 2026. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
^ Ian Cohen; David Anthony; Nina Corcoran; Emma Garland; Brad Nelson (13 February 2020). "The 100 Greatest Emo Songs of All Time". Vulture.com. Vox Media. Retrieved 15 February 2020.

[1] "Topshelf Records - Crash of Rhinos tour dates, merch, video, discography & more". Archived from the original on 25 December 2014. Retrieved 25 December 2014.

[2] "* to lose la track - CRASH OF RHINOS *". Toloselatrack.org.

[3] Righetto, Lorenzo. "Crash Of Rhinos :: Interviews". OndaRock (in Italian). Retrieved 10 November 2025.

[4] Ham, Robert (23 August 2013). "Crash Of Rhinos - Knots". Altpress.com.

[5] "Crash of Rhinos: Knots". Pitchfork.com.

[6] "Crash of Rhinos - Distal". Punknews.org. 7 February 2012.

[7] "Crash of Rhinos - Distal (album review ) | Sputnikmusic". Sputnikmusic.com.

[8] "Break-ups: Crash of Rhinos (2009-2014)". Punknews.org. 21 February 2014.

[9] "Crash Of Rhinos Are Back With A New Album After 13 Years, And They Told Us All About It". Stereogum. 20 March 2026. Retrieved 21 March 2026.

[10] Ian Cohen; David Anthony; Nina Corcoran; Emma Garland; Brad Nelson (13 February 2020). "The 100 Greatest Emo Songs of All Time". Vulture.com. Vox Media. Retrieved 15 February 2020.

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