All The Pleasures Of The World
The Crayon Fields
Chapter Music, 2009
4 stars
One of only a handful of Aussie bands to be loved-up by trend-setting US website Pitchfork in recent years, Melbourne’s Crayon Fields have kept a fairly low profile since their 2007 debut. Where other bands fuelled by Pitchforkdom have lit up like sparklers and trailed off just as quickly, it seems like Geoff O’Connor and co. have taken the praise as simply a nod of encouragement, retreating back into their cosy pop den to work on album No.2. Two years is a long time in the net-savy world of pop music, and The Crayon Fields have used it to craft what is a stunning sophomore effort. The Beach Boys harmonies, sun-drenched melodies and lovesick themes found on Animal bells are still intact, but the production is so luxurious it really takes it all to another level. Geoff’s vocals are as delicate and breathy as ever, but his bandmates compliment them perfectly with a classy, understated sound that still manages to tick all the necessary pop boxes. “Timeless” and “Graceless” are standouts for me, but the final track “You Could End Up Anywhere” probably sums up the album the best; lingering, catchy and bittersweet, and only serving to leave the listener wanting more.
Classy - a much more grown-up approach than that of Animal Bells.
