On June 20, 2025, psychedelic folk project Crayola Lectern the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Chris Anderson released the stirrings of their forthcoming third LP with “Disasternoon.” Now, anticipation skyrockets as the full album is slated to arrive on August 15 through Onomatopoeia Records, with distribution by Cargo.

“Disasternoon” plunges into a nocturnal soundscape where soul-enriching psychedelia meets late-night jazz under a starry sky. Recorded and mixed at Ghosty Mill (Worthing) and Golden HIVE (Prague) respectively, Anderson’s production weaves frayed grandeur and near-classical prog arrangements into a hypnotic tapestry.

The title itself sprang from the everyday—a whimsical mishearing of Anderson’s daughter Mary asking “this afternoon,” transmuted into “Disasternoon,” a fitting metaphor for creativity blooming in the mundane. The single’s video, directed by Sadie Anderson, visualizes this creative unhinging: a spaceman dances into oblivion atop flickering galaxies, reflecting on celestial escapism and earthly crises like the California wildfires.

Across its ten tracks, Disasternoon channels Crayola Lectern’s signature “melanchodelia” with instruments ranging from theremin and mellotron to cornet and glockenspiel. Standouts include: Sad Cornetto” – A gentle wake-up call with glockenspiel and whispered incantations. Aparty Days” – Melancholic optimism underscored by twinkling piano. Stars Over Louth” – A minimalist meditation on trumpet and Rhodes piano. “In The Sky Over The Sea” – A lucid, underwater dreamscape brought to life with improvisational textures. Joined by Alistair Strachan (trumpet, cornet), Damo Waters (drums, percussion), and guest Bic Hayes (Cardiacs, Levitation) on electric guitar, Anderson delivers a cinematic exploration of isolation, friendship, and mortality—all held together by Alfreda Benge’s evocative artwork, reminiscent of classic avant-garde British psych vinyl.

To celebrate the release of “Disasternoon,” Crayola Lectern will embark on a UK run this autumn:

Aug (TBC): The Prince Albert, Brighton.

Aug 29: George Tavern, London (with William D. Drake)

Sept 27: The Rosehill, Brighton (with Bob Drake)

Oct 10: The Sunfold, Weston-Super-Mare

With Disasternoon, Crayola Lectern cements their place at the vanguard of modern psychedelia melding folk intimacy with ambitious, experimental soundcraft. Mark your calendars for August 15: a cosmic journey awaits.

Listen to Disasternoon, the single on Spotify