Swathed with vintage 8-bit and modern synths, the warped sounds of Crystal Castles’ self-titled album debut brings a runaround dance album that objectifies modern music to their own taste. It is a new kind of experimental music that blends late ‘80s and early ‘90s computer console tunes with light, synthesised vocals I’d enjoy at a club. The Toronto-based duo defines their music as “influenced by change” – they’re exactly that and that’s exactly what they’ve done.
The 16-track album has a set of songs that will drown out your sorrows, giving instead a collection of blissful beats and ecstasy. Crystal Castles’ nu-rave approach beats the old flashy highlighter façade, producing instead a dash of electro and unique vocals.
Untrust Us starts the album, using a sample of Death From Above 1979’s Dead Womb. The track paves the way for a selection of songs that mix sound samples from artists, like Van She, Grandmaster Flash, and Berio with their own innovative sounds. Vanished contains a vocal track sample and melody from Van She’s Sex City. While the original is reminiscent of a modern The Cure track, Crystal Castles’ mix is electric and has a touch of lounge without taking Van She away. Vanished is hypnotic – the best track on the album.
Crimewave features a track battle between Crystal Castles and Los Angeles-based experimental rock group Health. The vocals are playful, and what sounds like explosions from a Nintendo tank game fill the background. The intense drumming that starts Health’s original track ends this one, making Crimewave one of the more creative productions on the album.
Crystal Castles’ unmixed tracks are fast and unapologetic. Love and Caring sounds contrary from the title, as disturbed yells and digital zaps complete the song. Similarly, Xxzcuzx Me (yes, that’s the title) reminds me of a speedy remix on the expert level of Dance Dance Revolution. According to band member Ethan Kath, the track Alice Practice was “secretly recorded while testing the studio’s microphones,” proving its unadulterated condition.
The album then takes a turn, ending with a low play of acoustic guitar and Alice Glass’ smooth vocals.
Don’t expect the usual indie-electronica music from Crystal Castles. It’s only their first album and they’re already taking it to the next level.
