CRYSTAL CASTLES Vinilo y CD

Review: Released in 2012, the Canadian electronic punks' third album marked a darker, more introspective turn for the duo. While their earlier records thrived on chaos and confrontation, III dives into a colder, more mournful landscape, channeling despair through glitchy synths and submerged vocals. The album opens with 'Plague', a storm of distorted beats and Alice Glass' haunted wails, immediately setting a bleaker tone. Tracks like 'Wrath of God' continue this suffocating atmosphere, layering harsh noise over mournful melodies in a way that feels both aggressive and fragile. Meanwhile, 'Sad Eyes' is full of catchiness amid the gloom, with a pulsing rhythm and almost danceable beat, though it's drenched in sorrow. 'Affection' is one of the most emotional tracks on the record, with shimmering synths and a distant, aching vocal performance that feels like reaching for something already lost. Closing track 'Child I Will Hurt You' strips things back even further, ending the album on a ghostly, minimalist note. III isn't an easy listen, but that's exactly its power. A harsh, beautiful collapse into darkness, not to mention Crystal Castles' most cohesive and affecting album.

Review: The second album from the Toronto-based Crystal Castles dives headfirst into a more polished pop direction while keeping the razor-sharp edge that made their eponymous debut unforgettable. It sees the duo tightening their sound, swapping the erratic juxtapositions of their first record for a more cohesive and dynamic approach. Tracks like 'Celestica', 'Suffocation' and 'Empathy' blend shimmering synths with biting distortion, striking a balance between beauty and bite. There's no shortage of potential singles here. The rave-tinged 'Baptism'. the hazy allure of 'Not in Love' and the frenetic energy of 'Vietnam' shows their knack for crafting tracks that feel equally at home on dancefloors and in headphones. While the shift toward a poppier sound might seem like a concession, the duo's grit remains intact, with moments like the chaotic 'Doe Deer' and the eerie closer 'I Am Made of Chalk' adding depth and darkness. Ethan Kath's production is layered and inventive, building a world of haunting synths and lo-fi beats, while Alice Glass' vocals morph between distorted whispers and guttural screams. Her versatility shines, avoiding the bratty screamer stereotype and instead presenting a nuanced and unsettling performance. The record's ambition is clear, as Crystal Castles evolve from their 8-bit beginnings into something more expansive and mature. A landmark album from a band who at the time, created a buzz like no other.