Crystal Castles - Crystal Castles (2010 album)

THIS IS THE ALBUM OF 2010, HANDS DOWN.

I saw Crystal Castles live in the UK a couple of years back. They were so wasted, they couldn't even stand straight. A lame show.

But, their first album "Crystal Castles" was great. I spinned it, like forever, still do. And the second one, named "Crystal Castles" (oh, yes, oh, yes) doesn't fail to deliver, not even by an inch.

In an era where it is so hard to sound original (because bands just, are, not, original), the Crystal Castles have done it twice. Their sound is their sound. And it is AWESOME.

The sound blasts off, going from song to song, from sonic assault to aetherial to dance to space music: Ethan Kath wants to make songs of particular feelings with particular sounds: so he recorded in a church in Iceland, in a cabin in Ontario, in a garage in Detroit, in Paul Epworth's studio in London. Distrortion is such a part of the album (you knew that), Alice's voice is drenched in fuzz but it's not as present as in the debut album, there are samples of Enigma and Sigur Ros (i guess they remembered to ask, this time around), there are various rhythms and vibes drilling the space, there is an obvious dance element (as in driving in the highway dance), there is movement towards spacious sounds, towards a feeling of surrounding. And noiz, in the end.

I call this brilliant production, it is so full of elements and ideas but that doesn't sink the sound, instead it brights it up. Ethan has put tremendous effort in this album. The result is simply stunning. And it's done by one person. Unbelievable. The album of 2010, hands down. Nothing will top this.

I hope these guys work with Missy Elliott on sth. It would blow speakers/ minds all over the globe, says i.

I spent my cash on this album and if you are still reading this page, you should too, you never paying, always whining bastards.

The album is out on Fiction Records. Get your freak on at their website, here