The Crayon Theatrical - s/t
(Skeptical Cat Recordings 1998, Cassette)
The Crayon Theatrical - s/t
(Skeptical Cat Recordings 1998, Cassette)
From Aural Innovations #6 (April 1999)
The Crayon Theatrical is a solo project by Dayton, Ohio resident Michael Homyk, who self recorded and plays all the instruments on this cassette release. The eight songs here consist of easy paced pop-psych vocal numbers that sometimes have a folk-psych edge. Homyk produces a nice effect with his acoustic and electric guitar combination. There's lots of wah-wah that gives the music a real 60's feel and I'll bet a couple of these tunes would have had hit single potential in that era.
There isn't a lot of diversity across these eight songs, though Homyk's vocals fit the songs well and I never tired of his dreamily paisley guitar sound. One track that stood out as being more instrumental than the others is "Doll House", which features laid back, lo-fi acoustic guitar and bubbling synth work.
In addition to his solo projects Homyk is also guitarist and vocalist for the Skeptical Cats who sometimes sound like a full band version of The Crayon Theatrical, though without the psych influences.
For more information on the The Crayon Theatrical you can visit the Skeptical Cat Recordings web site.
Reviewed by Jerry Kranitz