Stoke-on-Trent’s finest psych-rock revivalists, The Crystal Teardrop, have arrived with their stunning debut album, Is Forming, a richly textured, analog-crafted love letter to the golden age of 1960s rock, laced with modern urgency and melodic flair. Released through Popclaw/Rise Above Records, this 12-track journey blends garage rock, folk, power pop, and psychedelia into a kaleidoscopic experience that’s both reverent and refreshingly original.
From the swirling opener “Colours Changing” to the raga-drenched closer “Is Forming,” the band flexes its instrumental chops and sonic ambition. Frontwoman Alexandra Rose delivers a spellbinding vocal performance throughout, particularly on standouts like “Borrowed Time” and the Rain Parade-inspired “Two Hearts.” The combination of Leon Adrian’s dynamic guitar work, Stuart Gray’s lush organ textures, and the rhythmic engine of Huw Woodward and Ed Quigley gives the record depth and drive.
Working with analog wizard Liam Watson at Tilehouse Studios, the band achieves a warm, classic tone while embracing adventurous production techniques, such as phasing, tape reversals, and Leslie-treated vocals that harken back to Sgt. Pepper and Forever Changes.
With Is Forming, The Crystal Teardrop has captured the spirit of psych-rock past and made it feel alive and essential for 2025.
Follow The Crystal Teardrop for more amazing updates and performances:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecrystalteardrop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecrystalteardrop/
Twitter(X): https://twitter.com/thecrystalteary
Bandcamp: https://thecrystalteardrop.bandcamp.com/