The Crayons’ sophomore set What’s Wrong With You (a title that segues neatly from their aptly-dubbed debut, What Color Are You) is filled with bright hues and luminous arrangements. Drawing inspiration from the sounds of the ‘70s and the dayglo giddiness of that earlier era, it’s a record that sounds absolutely radiant from first riff to last.
That said, the new album leaves the lingering suspicion that more thought went into the performances than the material itself, which unfolds with workmanlike precision but fails to resonate once the final notes fade away. Despite the cookie-cutter melodies, tracks like “God Hates Me,” “Unlucky Charm” and “Not Beautiful” still sound great, breathlessly expressed and effusively delivered without regard to their downcast perspectives. Other songs -- the heartfelt “Here And There,” a billowy “You” - allow the sentiments to sink in while leaning towards a more subdued sound.
The Crayons are competing in a crowded field, one that finds innumerable bands plying their pop prowess with upbeat melodies and instrumental precision. And there’s no denying they deserve ranking near the top of that heap. Still, to set themselves apart, their next priority should be to place more emphasis in getting beyond the primary colors and into the subtler tones they’re clearly capable of exploring.
--Lee Zimmerman
