At the same time, Judson and Roberts had begun taking an interest in varying forms of instrumentation and songwriting. This newfound direction led to the release of Broader Than Broadway, a 7-song mini-album that was released in 2008. The band toured the album extensively to acclaim, until the departure of long-time drummer Ivan Lisyak later that year. Soon after, long-time friend and drummer, Joe Driver, as well as multi-instrumentalist Lauren Crew, joined Belles Will Ring, and in 2009, Judson and Roberts began writing material for their second full-length album. After recording numerous demos, the band got together to make a selection of songs to record as a concept album, which was to become the band's widely acclaimed 2011 release, Crystal Theatre. Belles Will Ring recorded Crystal Theatre from 2009–2010 on a borrowed property in NSW country town Oberon, and later continuing recording sessions in Portland. Preferring the isolation of the country, the band spent several weeks at these locations throughout 2010 tracking the sessions for Crystal Theatre. The album, named after an old movie house in Portland, was released in 2011 and received wide acclaim throughout Australia.