The Crayon Fields @ Oxford ArtFactory, Sydney (29/05/2010)

Tue 1st Jun, 2010 in Gig Reviews

Is it cruel to say that the supporting acts outshone the headliner? Unfortunately, this is exactly what happened at The Crayon Fields’ first gig for 2010 at Oxford Art Factory.

Step-Panther started off the night with their 60s surf-pop set list, getting the keen arrivals bopping and dancing away. They worked the audience with their charismatic banter. Extra points go to the drummer for his attempt at sporting a fake moustache whilst skilfully drumming away, only having to give up on the moustache half-way through their set.

Making way for Parades, the presence on the stage amplified. Starting off with Marigold, the vocals of the lead female singer showcased her superior ability of control and release. The gradual development of their two minute instrumental climax was augmented by their physical strains of emotion. The intensity of their live sounds amplified with additional drums and double layering of electric guitar chords. They catered to every element needed in making a live performance successful.

Another highlight was the more popular Hunter, bringing the audience into a musical soundscape. Live, they executed the contrasts of their music; with a heavy drop into richly textured musical layers, to delicate ghostly vocals and melodies accompanied by minimal percussion. The level of intensity and energy of this 50-minute set was mind-blowing.

With the room now packed with people, it was time for The Crayon Fields. The stage, decorated with roses and feather-trees set the mood of a high-school romance. Would It Be So Strange? demonstrated their skills with smooth dynamic control. However, there was something lacking in their performance from the beginning – it was energy. Playing straight after the energy-driven sounds of Parades also didn’t help.

A little awkward on stage with minimal stage banter, they jumped right into Mirror Ball, being one of the more popular songs. They nailed the significant musical parts of the song such as the dominant guitar trill which lifts the song into greatness. However it was hard to appreciate their musical abilities when they seemed to lack enthusiasm on stage. Their passive stage presence made them seem emotionless and bored of their own music.

Reaching the half way mark of their set with So Much Time, the crowd seemed to have lost interest as the sound of chatting grew louder and louder. Finally, the band acquired a little bit more energy inside them with Timeless, thanks to the beachy harmonies and a chorus that takes you back to when 60s pop reigned American high-school proms.

The show ended with All the Pleasures of the World. Playing an average version of the well produced CD version, the audience lost the aural experience of a few important musical elements. Firstly, their signature sound of woodblocks, which was featured in every other song that night, failed to appear in this final song. Secondly, the lead singer had trouble reaching a smooth falsetto, losing control over the higher notes. However, the catchy guitar trill saved the day, reminding the audience of the brilliant subtleties of their music.

Returning to the stage for an encore they played a new song, She’s My Hero. Having never played this song live before, they captured the interest of the audience up until the last few seconds of the song, ending on a good note for fans.

*Check out the photos from the gig”:http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/gallery/16508/1/Parades-and-Crayon-Fields.htm