Crystal CastlesSo Ethan Kath replaced all his digital toys with vintage analogue synths for this Canadian duo's third set, but they stuck with their first-take policy (show offs). Cue alarm bells for Crystal Castles and Crystal Castles (II) obsessives. The good news is that the genesis of what makes this twosome unique and addictive remains. Theirs has (and always will be) a twisted pleasure, somewhat like picking a scab or shagging your partner's best mate without permission.
It's always intriguing to read Crystal Castles lyric sheets – there's mention of plague, christening, pneumonia – and it's virtually impossible to sing along with these caterwauling sonic purges anyway. Alice Glass is an alluring frontwoman who is equal parts fragile and indomitable. Her vocals bring (III) together as a cohesive piece of work, although your granny still wouldn't deem this music.
Plague begins with The Tardis firing up, Wrath Of God opens with what sound like whale calls, and shrill noises akin to Furbies being tortured inhabit Pale Flesh. Devices are taking over the establishment during Insulin, with Glass struggling to be heard above their whirring mechanics. Transgender could be a workout tape for gremlins. At first you'll feel like rushing out to the gelati van when the music box tinkles of closer Child I Will Hurt You filter in, but the song's overall effect is similar to a nursery rhyme used in a slasher flick – you can't entirely trust it and Mr Whippy has probably put razor blades in your soft serve.
Have you seen footage of lunar landscapes? Those rocks, kinda like Pop Rocks with Elephantitis, which look capable of exploding on impact? Crystal Castles create a fitting soundtrack for such pyrotechnics on the moon – either that, or robot wars.
