Crayon Fields

Overview

No matter the weather, Melbourne's Crayon Fields are an instant clearing of the clouds. Good vibrations taking a sunbath, and if you peel away the initial innocence, probably a skinny dip to follow. The slight incongruity of their sound to their era, with nods to luminaries such as Dennis Wilson and the Zombies, makes what they do all the more compelling. It's intricate pop without the usual tell-tale traces of cloying '60s revivalism.

As lead singer, guitarist, songwriter and general wunderkind (he makes their film clips, too) Geoff O'Connor steps further out of the shadows with each release, the light gets a little brighter. O'Connor's soft voice, often anchored by layers of atmospheric wash, has a habit of lulling one into a false sense of security before realising his lyrical content. You may also know his side-project Sly Hats.

Live, the band brings a certain kind of familiarity and goofiness to the otherwise polished sound, and lucky for all, they're putting in an appearance at Oxford Art Factory, with Parades and Step-Panther in support.