Crystal Castles : Crystal Castles
Released: 24th May 2010
Label: Polydor
Crystal Castles are dark horses. For all the wailing, spitting fervour of their debut album, their second eponymous outing proves the method in their apparent madness. Naturally, the screaming remains, yet with it comes balanced, considered music and an album of great quality.
That they have managed to achieve this whilst maintaining their identity is an applaudable feat. Opener “Fainting Spells” is trademark Castles; uneasy synths, echoed rhythms and ghoulish vocals skulk around a fiendish melody in familiar fashion, satisfying the existing fan whilst tempting the newcomer. It is the evolution of this sound that marks their advancement, with follow up “Celestica” brandishing clean vocals and an usually listenable melody. Contrasting to the extreme yet unquestionably familiar, such variety is a welcome addition.
And it is this variation that proves to be the unavoidable hook. From the soft and eerie “Violent Dreams” to the Sigur Ros sampled “Year Of Silence”, each track possesses an identity whilst still carrying the mark of it's maker. Psychotic closer “I Am Made Of Chalk” flits from the challenging to the beautiful in familiar style, gurgling synths and processed vocals personifying each note, yet it is stand out track “Baptism” that signifies their efforts most effectively. Bursting with nineties Trance enthusiasm and Glass' vocal histrionics, it is a world away from their recognisable style, yet beautifully familiar at the same time.
What is most impressive is that, amidst the vastly differing nature of each track, the album boasts a sense of cohesion and consideration perhaps lacking in their debut. Despite tracks such as the deliciously vicious “Doe Deer” sitting near the contrastingly muted “Birds”, they coexist thanks to a conscious effort to unite each effort.
And boy, does it work. Crystal Castles is nothing short of a triumph for the duo. Not only have they created fourteen tracks of astounding quality, but they have progressed and maintained at the same time. It is still trademark Crystal Castles, you still have to work hard for your reward, but this time the payload is greater. Far greater.
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