[::] Bio from a local zine [::]
Crystal Desert is an alternative garage rock trio whose elaborate songwriting and caustic, vivacious performances ascend their familiar sounds into new artistic territory.
Christian Smith’s hostile and distorted bass tone (think early Shellac post-punk) serves as a counterpoint to guitarist/vocalist Ryan Alexander’s 90’s britpop-esque sound which can be moody, kaleidoscopic and sometimes poppy. Paired with drummer Josh Ihler’s more bright and contemporary style, this trio embraces their complex profile through a more experimental songwriting process. Some songs such as their debut single “Trade Ambition” maintain a continuously energizing rock aesthetic carried out in movements. Other songs operate more like a brooding shoegaze jams or narrative fuzz rock constructions.