Having cut their teeth together in bands through their teens & 20s, Ben Benton & Callum Lausberg were chomping at the bit to add a new chapter to their musical collaboration in 2018. Initial sessions laid the foundations of what would one day be CRYSTALLINES. With the beginnings of a new sound in their back pocket, the search for counterparts began.
Having connected via Vampr, they arranged a jam with singer/songwriter Mani Blü at Box Hill’s ‘Lighting Lab’ rehearsal studios. Though there was a palpable chemistry and a mutual appreciation between both parties, the boys’ new friend was dedicated to growing their own artists project rather than joining theirs. So after some discussion, Ben & Callum agreed to become part of Mani Blü’s backing band. Now playing drums and guitar respectively for the hyper-pop fledgling, rehearsals intensified.
It was here that they’d unknowingly meet the next piece of their puzzle. Having studied alongside Blü at the Australian Institute of Music, Devin Hartley was recruited to play bass. In a poetic turn of events, Blü was tardy to this initial full band rehearsal, allowing the trio that would become CRYSTALLINES to jam for the first time. Mani Blü, with her new backing band in tow played shows together over 2018 and 2019.
All the while though, Ben and Callum felt they still had an itch to scratch when it came to their own original music. In 2019, they resumed writing their own brand of hard rock. Now with a more refined sound and a larger offering of songs, the pair looked to expand the project and bring on new partners. Having developed both a musical synergy and a friendship with Devin, he became the obvious choice to slot in on bass. The group continued to plot out their vision and chose a name, CRYSTALLINES. Bringing forth the amalgam of each member’s unique influence, the band continued sowing the seeds of what would become many of their staple sounds.
As 2019 ticked over into the new year, the band once again commenced the search for a lead vocalist. Despite proceedings being halted several times by lockdowns in Victoria, the group was able to engage with a number of vocalists. Connecting with singers online and attending numerous open mic nights around Melbourne, the band was able to audition several highly capable vocalists. Unfortunately, none quite fit the bill for the front spot in CRYSTALLINES. In time, the trio decided that three was the magic number and that Callum would step into the dual role of vocalist and guitarist.
With the lineup settled, the group moved to refine and expand on their body of work. With the freedom to write melodies and express himself through lyrics, Callum began forming the concepts and motifs for the suite of tracks. 2020 had been a tumultuous year, and as a result the band sunk their teeth into writing about issues of morality, consequence and conscience. In an effort to remain balanced, Callum injected lighter moments into the discourse. A commitment to exploring hard hitting topics was always front of mind, however lyrics shifted into the idea of levity - finding the humour in a tragedy, laughing so you don’t have to cry. The band found fertile ground dressing up devastating topics in fantasy and tongue in cheek musings.
2022 saw the release of the band’s debut single, “Hammer & Tong” which was launched at the band’s first headline show at Colour Nightclub in Carlton. Being an early fan favourite, “Hammer & Tong (Live)” followed shortly after. The performance was captured at the band’s first live performance at Shotkickers in Thornbury, supporting As A Rival. These initial singles were followed up in 2023 by two more, “Down My Neck” and “Fire in the Hole”, tracks that this time highlighted the band’s appetite for heavier, nastier sounds. The pair of singles were celebrated at Last Chance Rock and Roll Bar in what was a highwater mark for the band thus far. With a merch competition in the build up, as well as special guests joining the band on stage (Pete Cerni [As A Rival] & Montana Sharp) this evening was not soon to be forgotten by those in attendance.
In 2024 CRYSTALLINES would release their self described ballad, “Erode”. In stark contrast to the band’s previous tracks, their newest showed off a softer side – even if lyrically the band stuck to their guns describing an existential horror wherein mother nature is asked to enact revenge on humanity. Following this, the group made plans to create their first longer form release, a 4 track EP. Late 2024 and 2025 were dedicated to writing and recording these new tunes. Their debut EP “Usurper” is set to release in April 2026.