Crystal Castles

Crystal Castles | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 25, 2010)
• Original Release Date: 2010
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Motown / Universal
• ASIN: B003IHA2LO
• Also Available in: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,197 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #52 in Music > R&B > Motown
  • #85 in Music > Dance & DJ > Electronica

Editorial Reviews

This Toronto based duo of Ethan Kath and Alice Glass have amassed a cult like following through their uncompromising and intense delivery. Stars of the electronic scene, this is Crystal Castles self titled release that is sure to make all the hipsters Top 10 of 2010.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Electronic Evolution, June 2, 2010

By 

J. Loudon (Nashville, TN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Crystal Castles (Audio CD)

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"

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Like Stepping Back Slowly From An Impressionistic Painting, June 13, 2010

By 

Andy (Nashua, NH USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crystal Castles (Audio CD)

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.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive sophomore album!, April 26, 2010

By 

Justin (St. Louis) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crystal Castles (II) (MP3 Download)

For some reason, I wasn't expecting such a good album. Maybe because there was no hype leading up to its sudden release. But this album is SOLID, the band has expanded its sound, using more techniques and some great melodies. If you like bands like Passion Pit, Yeasayer, Hot Chip, then give this album a listen - you won't be disappointed.