Let’s start with a few simple facts. I love Alice Glass. It’s going to be tough to top this album for me in 2012. I’ve only had my hands on the album for a day and I’m convinced this is not only my favorite album of 2012, but my favorite Crystal Castles album so far. If you are new to Crystal Castles, this album is actually a pretty good place to start. The amazing thing about Crystal Castles to me is the absolute razor edge that divides the emotional raw power from the crystalline beauty that somehow occupy the same sound space at the same time. For their third album they have tended to push that edge towards the beauty side of things, but not without sacrificing the power.
I loved their first two albums, but to be honest, there were songs that I had to skip due to sonic implications – my ears were not compatible with the pure noise that is at times an indispensable part of their arsenal. My one minor complaint is that this album sounds much better in headphones. You really need to crank this in the car etc for the mix to sound just right. The haunting image for this album’s cover is taken from a photo of a Yemeni mother cradling her son after a tear gas attack.
Fact: TGP loves Alice Glass
John recently saw Crystal Castles live and I’m pissed I didn’t go. Find a place where you can turn this album up and set aside some listening time – something I never do enough of anymore. Too many times recently I’ve been a user and abuser of music – using it as a soundtrack to cooking dinner, cleaning the house, or working. This is not a record for any of those things. This is a record to listen to, as a singular activity. Either that or to absolutely go nuts and rave to, that would work just fine too. If this music doesn’t move you in some way (good or bad) check your pulse.
MP3: Crystal Castles – Kerosene
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MP3: Crystal Castles – Wrath Of God
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About the Author
I'm a music fiend. There is no life worth living without music in it. I have a soft spot in my heart for just about every type of music, but I especially love underground/indie rock, New Wave 80s, folk, electronic, and old school hip hop. In general I cover the newer music for The Giant Panther, with John being the expert on the classics, but there are few bands out there we both don't love.