With “Two Turtles”, rising Christian crabcore outfit Collective Dust from Clarksville, Tennessee, is going viral by blending synthy emo warmth with the playful, high-energy spirit of the late-2000s scene. Written by vocalist Wilson Marshall as a tribute to his wife, the song adds spiritual depth to a style once known mainly for memes and breakdowns.
The story behind it
Rooted in Ephesians 5:25, the song frames marital love as an act of worship. Marshall has shared that writing music is a God-given gift he wants to use to honor the Lord and love his wife — a conviction that shapes both lyrics and arrangement.
The sound: synthy emo × crabcore
From the first bar, lush synths and punchy guitars give crabcore a modern sheen. Rather than leaning only on breakdowns, the band layers gleaming melodies and uplifting hooks, keeping the track fun, nostalgic, and earnest.
Lyrics & themes
While the full lyrics aren’t published yet, the narrative centers on devotion, joy, and faith — celebrating imperfect yet enduring love.
“We walk slow, side by side, two turtles in the tide—your hand in mine, it’s where faith and heart collide.”
Crabcore’s social impact
Born from Myspace-era humor, crabcore quickly evolved into a subculture powered by viral clips. Collective Dust’s faith-driven take gives it a new purpose, showing that meme energy can carry meaning.
Previous singles & direction
Earlier tracks — “Redemption” and “Crab’s Call” — married faith-charged lyrics with energetic breakdowns and sticky hooks. “Two Turtles” extends that palette with brighter melodies and heightened emotional clarity.
For fans of…
If you’re into Attack Attack!, I See Stars, or the faith-tinged post-hardcore of Underoath, this blend of retro scene energy and modern spiritual lyricism will feel right at home.
Shows & merch
Watch the band’s Instagram and Facebook for pop-up shows around Clarksville. Official merch — tees, limited EPs, crab-themed accessories — helps fund new music and future touring.
Clarksville’s underground
Beyond its country roots, Clarksville’s underground is thriving. VFW halls and coffeehouses host faith-friendly open mics and alt shows where crabcore can share space with bluegrass.
Listen & connect
Stream “Two Turtles” on Spotify or Apple Music. For updates and merch, follow Collective Dust on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
Highlighted quote
“Our mission is to be servants of Jesus Christ and stewards of the gospel, reaching and ministering to as many as will listen.” — Wilson Marshall
Quick stats
- 100,000+ streams in the first days after release (based on trending social posts).
- Viral traction on TikTok and Instagram; hundreds of new followers weekly.
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