Tag Archives: The Crayon Set

Album Review, Alt- Pop, Indie Pop, New Music

The Crayon Set ‘Downer Disco’ Album

Dublin-based, The Crayon Set have released their new album ‘Downer Disco’.The album was recorded with producer Stephen Shannon at Experimental Audio in Dublin in 2019. The release was put on hold due to Covid ’19.To celebrate the launch of ‘Downer Disco’ The Crayon Set will play their first headline show in over 2 years at The Grand Social, Dublin on 7th October. Tickets are €9 (Students: €7) and are available at www.ticketmaster.ie  

‘Downer Disco’ is a glorious collection of alternative pop gems that ripple with shimmering synths, rich percussion and the irresistible musicianship of The Crayon Set. This band’s ability to whack out diverse earworms while creating a cohesive body of work is simply impressive. They pour sweet melodies and bright instrumentation into opening tracks ‘Don’t Step Back Too Far’ and ‘Summer Song’ before stirring darker tones and brooding melodies through ‘Out Of Your Mind’ to showcase the versatility and freshness within their sound. 

The band exude swagger within this album as they confidently sashay through the sassy indie drenched ‘Rock Star// Dream Girl’ and country hued ‘Flames’ before using brooding guitar melodies, jazz peppered keys, punchy drums and a sultry soundscape to create a sense of mystery that keeps the listener hooked throughout. The lush musicianship within ‘Downer Disco’ is compelling. The band effortlessly balance light and sweet tunes such as ‘Boring’, ( with its lush harmonies, ethereal twinkles on keys and warm guitar ) with the more dark, obscure and electronic heavy ‘Not the End of the World’; the latter boasts choppy rhythms, spiralling electronics and distorted guitars that creates an intoxicating and luring psychedelic-hued backdrop for listeners to indulge in. 

Alongside oodles of rich, tantalizing instrumentation The Crayon Set display emotive lyrical content throughout the album that depicts themes such as mental health, love and loss to name a few. The lyrics are powerful and evocative on their own however they are greatly enhanced by the band’s artful use of instrumentation; beautiful, poetic and aptly placed turns of phrase are wrapped within bittersweet or brooding melodies, “skimming stones cause ripples that go on”–  ‘Miss You in my Dreams’. The Crayon Set have a wonderful ability to touch the soul with their lyrics, while soothing and comforting with their musicianship at the same time and these moments within the album are a joy to experience again and again.

A real treat to the ears ‘Downer Disco’ is an immersive gem of sweet alternative pop filled with beautiful melodies, opulent instrumentation and utterly compelling soundscapes. The Crayon Set are refining what they do best, providing eargasmic refreshing tunes that beckon repeat plays.

Stream ‘Downer Disco’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

The Crayon Set ‘Summer Song’

Dublin based alternative pop band The Crayon Set have released two new singles: ‘Summer Song’ / ‘Rock Star’, taken from their upcoming album ‘Downer Disco’. Filled with the diverse and infectious sound of The Crayon Set, ‘Summer Song’ and ‘Rock Star’, showcases two different facets of the band’s style to create a dynamic listening experience for listeners to enjoy.

Boasting twinkling guitars, a steady beat and dreamy melodies, ‘Summer Song’ displays the sweet psychedelic side of The Crayon Set’s sound. This light ditty flows upon subtle bright soundscapes while ethereal keys chime throughout, creating a soft hue within the song’s atmosphere. The Crayon Set showcase their ability to capture emotion and a suspenseful sense of euphoria within ‘Summer Song’ and it is simply divine.

Showcasing jangly jazz stained keys, jaunty guitar refrains and punchy drums, ‘Rock Star’ exudes the band’s swaggered, indie rock bravado. Kate Dineen’s vocals are the constant throughout both releases. She sweetly coos with a lulling compelling tone in ‘Summer Song’ and croons with a slight edgy rasp for the energetic ‘Rock Star’. Her beautiful vocal blends perfectly with each tracks instrumentation and highlights the bands refined musicianship.

The Crayon Set are developing their sound beautifully, crafting songs that surge with vivid emotion and glorious lush instrumentation. Their ability to produce irresistible earworms that ooze edgy, indie rock sensibilities is awe-inspiring and marks them as a band to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘Summer Song’ / ‘Rock Star’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

The Crayon Set ‘Don’t Step Back Too Far’

Dublin-based The Crayon Set have released their second single ‘Don’t Step Back Too Far’ taken from their forthcoming album ‘Downer Disco’ which is set for release in September 2021, supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture,  Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media.The first line-up of The Crayon Set released their eponymous debut album in 2013 – it was recorded with Nick Brine (Teenage Fanclub, Super Furry Animals). It’s follow-up ‘Lost Languages’ was recorded with Gavin Glass (Lisa Hannigan, Villagers) and released in 2017 and featured Kate Dineen on guest vocals who later became a permanent member of the band. 

Driving on a pulsing bassline and rippling electronics, ‘Don’t Step Back Too Far’ is a shimmering disco ball of alternative pop. The song fleshes out The Crayon Set’s lush sound with layers of palpitating synths, propulsive rhythms and a dash of Americana glimmering through on guitars. As the song progresses, it slips into psychedelic hues, creating a laid-back, carefree vibe that ebbs and flows throughout. The Crayon Set have become known for their hook-laden sound, and ‘Don’t Step Back Too Far’ follows this trend wonderfully. Press play and enjoy.

Speaking about their new single, Robert explains “I was pleased when this song came along – I think it helped signal a new direction for the band. It had more of a groove to it – and it had a melancholic atmosphere that drew you in. Lyrically it is about feeling down and losing a sense of yourself and your role in the world. It probably inspired the ‘Downer Disco’ album theme – a bit depressing, but you could dance to it…”. 

Stream ‘Don’t Step Back Too Far’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

The Crayon Set ‘Moment’

The Crayon Set have released their new single ‘Moment’. The song is taken from their third upcoming album ‘Downer Disco’ due for release this Summer. The Crayon Set formed in 2010 and quickly came to prominence when they won a national competition to play the Sundae in the Park Festival in London. 

‘Moment’ is a delightful slice of indie as The Crayon Set spread their vibrant musicianship over catchy melodies and blossoming instrumental builds. Glistening synths wisp through an ethereal backdrop while lush harmonies and a pop sprinkled melody exude a sweet angelic radiance. The Crayon Set display their intricate and prismatic musicianship through subtle synth-pop elements melded between lo-fi tones, psychedelic pepperings, and indie-pop hues. The band create lush textures and upbeat explosions of positivity through the song’s instrumental backdrop, softening and cushioning the heartfelt lyrics which discuss depression and not giving up on life. ‘Moment’ is a beautifully arranged track from The Crayon Set ready to soothe the soul.

Stream ‘Moment’ below


Author : Danu