Search - Crystal Castles :: Crystal Castles

Electronic Evolution

Jeff Loudon | Nashville, TN | 06/02/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Crystal Castles took video game tonality to a whole new level with their self-titled debut. Simple melodies electronically spelled out in front of brilliantly executed club beats were all the convincing critics needed for stellar reviews. Although Crystal Castles was embraced exponentially more in Europe, they rode the coat tails of bands like Daft Punk and Justice into American clubs.



With their second self-titled album, Crystal Castles have maintained a great deal of that 8-bit Atari sound while expanding and evolving into something much more. It is possible fans may find their new samples a bit less endearing with decreased nostalgia for sounds of their childhood, but the duo made up of Ethan Kath and Alice Glass certainly have some tricks up their sleeves that are worth giving a chance.



Crystal Castles opens with "Fainting Spells," a sort of nod to the duo's previous work, relies on a great deal of classic samples while discernable lyrics remain absent. As soon as "Celestica" begins, however, it is clear Crystal Castles have opted for change. Low bit samples are replaced with shimmering synthesizers that float above Alice Glass' vocals. Rather than continuing this relaxed club feel into the body of the record, "Doe Deer" provides Crystal Castles with a chaotic twist on the very next track.



One of the shining moments of the sophomore album comes from a techno cover of Sigur Ros' "Year of Silence." With music that nearly defines the opposite of Sigur Ros' musical style, Jonsi's vocals blend perfectly with the rhythmic style Crystal Castles has created.



With their second self-titled album, there is certainly plenty of creativity full of sounds never heard before in popular music. By the time "I am Made of Chalk" closes the album, Crystal Castles have set themselves apart from the other electronic artists making names for themselves today. Crystal Castles will doubtfully become a household name anytime soon, but anyone capable of opening their minds to a bit of the obscure will be greatly rewarded with this record.



Similar Artists: Metric, Justice



Track Suggestion: "Celestica""

Crystal Castles.

Brian Lange | Chicago, IL | 05/04/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As "underground" as CC was for the first album (I only heard about them when I discovered they were opening for NIN for some shows) I think their debut album was amazing, and was surprised they weren't more popular than they were. I suppose in the Techno/Rave scene they are relatively well known but they definitely deserve more credit than they've been getting.



Though most of it are repetitive drums and catchy loops, it's arranged masterfully. Their sophomore effort manages to exceed my expectations by far. This album feels more focused, more thought out, less experimentation and more intent. It's also more melodic than their debut. Lots of tracks are somewhat similar, but the lyrics are more focused and Incorporated into the songs more seamlessly.



I gave their first record a perfect score almost exactly two years ago, also proclaiming it record of the year. Though this is new and exciting material from Ethan & Alice, I like it a lot. It's hard to choose a favorite between the two, but at the moment the new album is doing the trick.



Kudos, my friends. Kudos!"

Like Stepping Back Slowly From An Impressionistic Painting

Andy | Nashua, NH USA | 06/13/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The first track on Crystal Castles' 2nd self-titled CD may be the perfect metaphor for the entire album. Fainting Spells starts as a cacophonous, screechy wall of noise, so immediately off-putting, you'll be tempted at first listen to yank the disc from your player and throw it, frisbee-style, at your local record store hipster's horn-rimmed spectacle covered eyes. However, if you're patient, within minutes, a slick hip hop groove within the song rises to the surface appearing only long enough for you to wrap your head around, and make sense of the noise before the song closes up around itself.



The rest of Crystal Castles (II) see-saws between catchier dancey songs and much more abrasive numbers. Regardless, Alice Glass' cryptic poetry echoes throughout, and repeated listens reveal a darkly subversive work which lets the adventurous listener into CC's strange and beautiful world of sound."