The Crystal Set released their first single, "A Drop in the Ocean", independently on their own Set label in December 1984. It was "designed, packaged and distributed by the band members themselves." Moor declared, "We want to gain some independence just like Midnight Oil, before we look for an agent." By May 1985 they signed to Red Eye Records which re-released their debut single. Charles Ratcliffe departed the band before they recorded their second single. The band used studio drummers, Mark Evans on the B-side, "Don't Be Surprised", and John Lloyd on the A-side ''Benefit Of The Doubt'' That single had been co-produced by Kilbey's older brother, Steve Kilbey (of the Church), and Guy Gray. By that time, they had built up a strong cult following around Sydney.
Tim Seckhold took up the drums in time for the Crystal Set's next two singles, "Wholly Holy / Hubble Bubble" (April 1987) and "Who Needs Who Now? / From Now On" (December), and their debut album, 'From Now On' (May). It was produced by Steve Kilbey. The singles were moderate indie hits via airplay on youth radio station, JJJ. The Canberra Times' reviewer critiqued "Who Needs Who Now" and observed that the group "are numbing live, but in the small doses provided by singles they are acceptable. This track is quite likeable and extremely polished for an independent record... Nice production and street credibility, the North Shore girls should love it."
Moor left in April 1988 and Craig Hooper (ex-the Reels) on keyboards and guitar joined Kilbey, Maher and Seckhold to release a six-track extended play, 'Cluster', in July, which was produced by Hooper. One side featured songs recorded with Moor while the other side featured compositions with Hooper. The group disbanded at the end of that year.
When the Crystal Set reconvened in May 1989 Kilbey assumed guitar duties and vocals; together with Maher and Seckold they were joined by Luke Blackburn on bass guitar and backing vocals. When Red Eye Records signed a distribution deal with Polydor Australia in 1990, the group's second album, 'Almost Pure' (April 1991), signalled their transition from an independent act to one associated with a major label. It found moderate national success with the singles, "She Spits out Stars / Gargoyle" (December 1990) and "Thrive / Kicking Around" (June 1991). Their Red Eye/Polydor label mates were the Cruel Sea, the Clouds, Steve Kilbey, Jack Frost (Steve Kilbey and Grant McLennan of the Go-Betweens), the Bhagavad Guitars, Curious (Yellow) and the Beasts of Bourbon.
In 1991 Kilbey and Maher relocated to Melbourne and recruited Darren "Fud" Ryan on drums and Paul Agar on bass and backing vocals as new members. To promote 'Almost Pure' the band toured supporting United Kingdom band, the Wonder Stuff, as well as headlining their own shows in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. However the Crystal Set disbanded at the end of 1991.
Members
Russell Kilbey (bass, guitar, vocals), Phillip Maher (guitar, vocals), Davey Ray Moor (keyboards), Tim Seckhold (drums), Craig Hooper (keyboards, guitars), Luke Blackburn (bass), Darren Ryan (drums), Paul Agar (bass)
''A Drop In The Ocean / She Counts Up The Days'' 1985 Red Eye
''Benefit Of The Doubt / Don't Be Surprised'' 1986 Red Eye
''Wholly Holy / Hubble Bubble'' 1987 Red Eye
''Who Needs Who Now / From Now On'' 1987 Red Eye
''A Furious Mess / Some Attention'' 1990 Red Eye
''She Spits Out Stars / Gargoyle'' 1990 Red Eye
''Thrive / Kicking Around'' 1991 Red Eye
''Who Needs Who Now / From Now On'' 1987 Red Eye
''A Furious Mess / Some Attention'' 1990 Red Eye
''She Spits Out Stars / Gargoyle'' 1990 Red Eye
''Thrive / Kicking Around'' 1991 Red Eye
EPs
'Cluster' 1988 Red Eye
'Mixed Bag' 1991 Red Eye
'From Now On' 1987 Red Eye
'Almost Pure' 1991 Red Eye
References
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Crystal_Set
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