Warming up the Winter blues, local Perth band The Crom treated us to their debut album
‘Right on Cue ’, which dropped in November. Formed by Alan Sweeney, Joel Robertson, Frankie
Sweeney, Alex Scrimgeour and Lee Fitzpatrick, the Indie/Rock-Alt band have been jamming
since early 2019. Having formed on the cusp of lockdown, the band have only recently been
able to fully take Perth’s nightlife by storm, playing at some of our favourite Fair City venues.
With a new album out, it only felt right to check in with Perth’s rock ‘n’ roll stars and hear all
about their exciting new release.
Your debut album ‘Right on Cue’ was released in November; can you tell us a little bit
about the inspiration behind the album and some of the tracks?
“I consider myself an observational songwriter (Alan), and most of the songs were arrived
at by things I’d seen, stories I’d heard, or just the way I felt at the time. People form the
backdrop for most of our songs. Outside Your Window was written for my son, for
example. Every day since he was born, I hold him up to the window in my house, and I tell
him the whole world is there for him if he wants it and it’s just outside that window.”
For anyone who hasn’t heard the album yet, how would you describe the sound?
“We’re very much a guitar-driven Indie/Rock band. Some people have said we sound like a
cross between The Stone Roses and The Who. Gav Munro from Perth’s very own Red
Pine Timber Co told me we sound like Teenage Fanclub so we’ll take those comparisons.”
What’s your favourite track to play live from the album and why?
“I think it has to be Let’s Go. I like the long build-up, and when the song gets going, it
really opens up with some urgency.”
You recorded the album at The Velvet Lounge & Studio with local producer David
MacFarlane. How did you find the process of recording the album and what did you learn
from the experience?
“We never really set out to record an album, if I’m being honest. We had loads of songs
(probably 3 albums worth), but initially we recorded Outside Your Window as a standalone single.”
“If anything, we maybe thought we’d do a 4 or 5 track EP at a later date. It
was actually David who suggested we do a full album, and we enjoyed the recording and
mixing process so much that we unanimously agreed. It’s a decision we’re all glad we
made, and The Velvet Lounge & Studio became our second home for the year that it took
to do the album. We all learned a lot about recording processes and techniques, and the
band was fully involved with mixing the tracks, so it was an invaluable experience.“
Are there any standout moments from the recording process that you can share with us?
“Joel dancing to a rough mix of Let’s Go in the control room. If Joel dances, you know
you’ve got something special haha!”
You’ve had some great exposure on Amazing Radio and in local press. What has the
overall reaction to the album been like so far from friends, family and new fans of The
Crom?
“The coverage and support we’ve had has been phenomenal. People have shared links to
the album all over social media. At the time of writing, we have 5 tracks on Amazing
Radio and we’re being played on Amazing Radio USA. But overall, the reaction has been
positive. We’re very humbled by it all, and we’re just glad people like our songs. We also
find it hilarious that we’re being played on American radio!”
Your band name hailed from Perth street The Cromlix Road, and you recorded the album
here in Perth. How does Perth as a city influence and inspire your music?
“I love Perth. There’s been so many characters over the years. So many incredible musicians.
And as I mentioned previously, most of our songs have people behind the stories. So Perth,
and its people have a ton of influence on us and our music. The front cover of our album is the
iconic Art Deco facade of the Perth Playhouse. If you’re from Perth, you’ll instantly recognise
the building. And if you’re not, then it’s a striking building.”
Now that the debut album is out, what’s in store for The Crom over the next few months?
“We have live shows coming up, most notably The Market Bar in Inverness in February, so
we’ll be rehearsing a lot to tighten up the songs and hone our stage presence. We’re also
thinking about going back into the studio early next year and starting work on our
second album. But for now, it’s all about pushing Right On Cue to as many radio stations
and concert promoters as possible.“
‘Right on Cue’ is out now and you can listen to the full album in all its glory via Bandcamp,
Spotify and Apple Music.
Keep up to date with The Crom’s latest news, gigs and music by following them on Facebook.
