The Crayon Set release their debut E.P. on October 12th. The band have just recorded their first album and the E.P. is going to be available for free download as an introduction to the band.
The four track opens with No. 1 Fan, an uptempo indie pop breath of fresh air, complete with brass section. The sound that the seven piece have captured here is pure indie heaven. The jaggly guitars and female vocal combo, complete with a ‘Ooh ah’ refrain made these ears take notice. I love the line ‘you play guitar like you were waging war’. It’s memorable, catchy, perfect opener.
‘I Wanted You’ shows a slightly more tender side to the band. The Crayon Set retain their melodies and backing vocals, which seem to be a signature of the band. Here too, strings and I think oboe are given their time to breath. All the instruments are given space and are beautifully mixed, all held together by the drums and bass line.
K+J=O starts with a drum/string/ piano intro that begs for alive version of this to run into Flo Rida/David Guetta’s Club Can’t Handle Me. Clever lyrics and the dual make/female vocals work a treat here and something like this could be what makes this band stand out.
Wonderland has a certain Arcade Fire influence, which is noticeable with the layered harmonies at the chorus. The band seem to have the art of writing a good indie pop song down to a tee. You’ll be bopping after this one, personally though, I’d like to hear the male vocal just slightly higher in the mix.
Overall a great introduction to the band, production by Nick Brine (Ash, Super Furry Animals, The Beta Band) is great. Nice insight into things to come.
Download it from October 12th.