Crystal Castles

Crystal Castles (Last Gang Records)

By Britt Julious
Published: March 17th, 2008 | 11:50am

What could have easily turned into musical trappings — heavy, game-oriented riffs, indecipherable lyrics, and vocalist Alice Glass’ piercing screams — transformed into the experimental electronic gem that is Crystal Castles’ self-titled debut. After immeasurable buzz on the blogosphere over earlier EPs and singles like the complicated, studio session-born “Alice Practice” or the delightfully spirited “Air War," the group effectively delivers an album without room for comparisons to other artists in the ever-growing electronica genre.

The first half of the album begins with a grouping of previously released singles that, after more than a year, sound as fresh as ever. “Crimewave,” in collaboration with lascivious noise-rockers HEALTH, is still as aggressive as the first listen with its amalgamation of driving beats and monotone “singing." The oracular “Knights” continues to haunt.

The album, though, truly comes into its own by the second half. “Courtship Dating," a lively, retro-tinged tune, is perfect for dance clubs. “Good Time” follows and is short and sweet, with Glass repeatedly singing “Good times keep rolling / Got to escape now." The even shorter instrumental “1991” is reminiscent of the '90s and the resurgence of dance music within mainstream culture. One of the best songs, “Vanished,” a Van She remix, is a breath of fresh air because of its obsessive melody, dynamic rhythms, and sing-along lyrics.

Compared to the group’s most recognizable material, the song follows a formal verse-chorus-verse structure and proves that Crystal Castles continue to challenge musically.

However, the avant-garde characteristics of the group's songs are not completely missing, such as in “Love and Caring.” At one point in the song, Glass sarcastically asks, “What the fuck is this? Oh, it’s the bass,” and the moment, instantly reminiscent of “Alice Practice," makes interesting commentary on the livelihood of rocknroll and electronica, perhaps suggesting both can coexist and sound really good. If Crystal Castles are any evidence, that assertion is fulfilled.

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BrittanyJulious (over 4 years)
This is a must-buy! You will love it!

digiego (over 4 years)
yo, before more people get this mixed up,,,, Vanished is a CC remix of Van She's 2005 song "Sex city" it's not Ethan or Claudio singing, it's the van she dude. zap