• Record Label: Warp
  • Release Date: Aug 22, 2006
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Filter
    90
    The fuzzy grooves on the record stand out as sicker and more focused than anything the United States of America or Morricone ever splattered onto a canvas. [#21, p.93]
  2. The Future Crayon isn't the 'new Broadcast album', but it might actually be their best album.
  3. Uncut
    80
    Reveals a side to Broadcast rarely heard: that of a band who are relaxed, at play and in places almost carefree. [Sep 2006, p.76]
  4. Under The Radar
    80
    While the proper order from some of the previous releases is interrupted to make this new album work, having one-off bonus tracks like "DDL" (from the first All Tomorrow’s Parties compilation) and rare 7" B-side "Test Area" from the Echo’s Answer single in one place is an esteemed reward. [Summer 2006]
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    Timeless. [19 Aug 2006, p.35]
  6. It's a great introduction to the wide range that Broadcast works with, and it holds together as well as any of their albums.
  7. Mojo
    80
    Contains some of Broadcast's most adventurous music. [Sep 2006, p.118]
  8. Future Crayon is a must for Broadcast obsessives and a good way for casual fans to explore some of the rougher edges of their music.
  9. The 18 cuts here showcase the Birmingham (England) group’s brand of eerie yet pretty electro-acoustic pop as well as any of their three proper albums.
  10. Here's the first full-length Broadcast product that pulls back the veil and lets us hear big stretches of what it's like when they're trying sounds out, getting abstract, being well and truly difficult.
  11. A welcome reminder of the Brummie art-poppers’ lighter, brighter past.
  12. The Future Crayon... succeeds in being just as captivating as the band's proper albums -- or perhaps even more so.
  13. Q Magazine
    70
    This isn't anything like a Best Of, but there remains plenty of enjoyment in these spacey oddities. [Sep 2006, p.118]
  14. The Future Crayon, like Tender Buttons, is a little predictable at first but grows more complex after several listenings.
  15. Urb
    70
    Like flicking through '60s AM radio's intermittent channels. [Sep 2006, p.138]
  16. Meaty and encompassing, Future Crayon rarely misses, even if it fails to measure up to the band’s sublime full-lengths.
  17. Better to eschew the album altogether (it’s not at all cohesive, if that criterion means anything to you) and purchase the few essential tracks if possible: “Illumination”, “Still Feels Like Tears” and “Poem of a Dead Song” all of which evoke the band’s best moments.
User Score
tbd

No user score yet- Awaiting 1 more rating

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Nov 17, 2011
    8
    The Future Crayon is the second compilation album by Broadcast which entered the music market one year after the unbelievable Tender Buttons.The Future Crayon is the second compilation album by Broadcast which entered the music market one year after the unbelievable Tender Buttons. It gathers various tracks and b-sides previously released on EPs and singles. Many bands would sacrifice their drummers for some of those songs for almost none of them feel like a work of poorer quality. While there are no standouts like You Can Fall, Hawk or Black Cat, The Future Crayon is a very coherent and enjoyable listen. Most of the tracks are instrumental and they witness bandâ Full Review »
  2. Dan
    Aug 26, 2006
    8
    Is it wrong to name a B-sides and rarities compilation as my favorite album by a band? Well, whether good or bad, The Future Crayon is my Is it wrong to name a B-sides and rarities compilation as my favorite album by a band? Well, whether good or bad, The Future Crayon is my favorite Broadcast album. The group retains their standard static-y noise and pretty voice dualism, but this time the production has more polish to it. Surprisingly, I think the cleaner sound lends itself well to the band Full Review »