Disasternoon
Onomatopoeia, 2025
8/10
The UK outfit Crayola Lectern return with a 3rd album, where the trio of Chris Anderson, Damo Waters and Alistair Strachan welcome a couple of guests to their unclassifiable formula.
“Sad Cornetto” opens with mesmerizing keys from Anderson that are met with soulful brass thanks to Strachan, and “Aparty Days” follows with a thicker presence that swirls with melody and wonder thanks to the rich trumpet and a hazy backdrop.
The middle track belongs to “Stars Over Louth”, where the intimate piano complements soft brass for the cozy moment, while “The Sky Over The Sea” is a much longer track that’s soulful, melodic and ambient in its textured appeal.
“Oblivion” and “Coscoroba” exit the listen. The former welcomes expressive singing amid the mature keys and light drums from Waters, and the latter benefits from Maria Marzaioli’s elegant violin that aligns with calm piano.
A very distinct body of work that meshes psychedelia, jazz and indie-rock sensibilities, there’s a pastoral, experimental and cinematic presence in these songs that you’re not likely to find anywhere else.
Travels well with: Datadyr- Woolgathering; Soft Ffog- Soft Ffog