Crystabel Efemena Riley’s interest in patterns on skins – human and drum – started during the late 2000s when she toured Japan and Europe using drums, make-up and electronics in power-noise/post-club trio Maria And The Mirrors.

Crystabel has been a long-term collaborator with Sue Lynch who welcomed her into the Horse Improvised Music Club and later played in the London Improvisers Orchestra. She is currently working on the multi-format project @xcrswx with Seymour Wright; their last release was a split vinyl via Feedback Moves with Lolina. She also performs as part of X-Ray Hex Tet with Edward George, Pat Thomas, Billy Steiger, Paul Abbott and Seymour Wright, who released an album on Reading Group in 2024.