One may think that they are a kids' band at first glance as their name fits in nicely amongst fellow acts in the genre like The Wiggles, The Hoolie Doolies and Hi 5. Funnily enough that revelation isn't too far off as to how Melbourne outfit CRAYON FIELDS came together. "The original incarnation of Crayon Fields was as a high school band," frontman Geoff O'Connor says. "We got the name from a song we played around the time; it doesn't have much relevance to us anymore but the name stuck."
Ironically O'Connor believes that the band appeals more to the older demographic than the younger, more traditional choice. "We appeal to the older generations more than the younger ones," he jokes. That revelation can be believed as O'Connor's music collection largely consists of vinyl records originally released in the 1960s, including artists such as The Beatles, The Byrds and The Beach Boys. Once you hear Crayon's songs like Mirror Ball and Choir of Tiny Boys this becomes all so clear and those assumptions about them as a children's act soon disappear.
You're now led to believe that they may be a band formed in the 1960s but have time-travelled to the future. They released singles off their debut album, Animal Bells, and off current album, All the Pleasures in the World, on vinyl. Now I can understand why they appeal to the older generations. Their mix of dreamy pop rock of the '60s combined with modern day technology that The Beatles and The Beach Boys probably wished they had back in the day, would send every baby boomer into a haze.
This is probably why the band went on a world tour earlier this year to the UK and Europe to take their creation into the heart of where this dreamy pop all began. Following in the footsteps of The Easybeats and The Seekers, they thought that Britain would give them all the love and exposure that Aussie acts before them received. And they were right. The European audiences soaked up all of Crayon's spacey pop for all it was worth. "I think as an Aussie band going overseas it gives you a bit of an exotic touch, so it makes it a lot easier trying to appeal to foreigners," O'Connor says.
However, Crayon Fields luckily have managed to also garner fans around their own age as on their last couple of trips to the capital they have played at the prestigious alternative hub Bar 32. "We've played in Canberra a few times and we've always enjoyed it," O'Connor says. "I don't know why we didn't go to Canberra more often. We only started going there last year."
Good point Geoff. However, if their new, reworked live show goes to plan then they'll most certainly be forgiven. "We've got projections and all sorts of props this time around. It's not Rock Eisteddfod or anything and it won't have blow up dolls but it'll definitely be more interesting."
See for yourself when Crayon Fields play Gangbusters at Bar 32 on Thursday November 5 with Jonny Telafone and Teddy Trouble & The Space Boys. Tickets are $10 on the door.
