Well this is an unexpected surprise. Despite the announcement that one half of Crystal Castles, Alice Glass was leaving the band last October, extant member Ethan Kath posted a new track on Soundcloud today called “Frail” — which in true CC fashion is anything but.
With a new vocalist in place on the track (whose vocal gymnastics don’t sound all that dissimilar from Glass’) named Edith, Kath proves that he hasn’t lost his flare for crafting dark and dissonant production ‘scapes. Perhaps the friction between the former duo served as a catalyst for new material? Celebrate the continuance of Crystal Castles in its new form with “Frail” below.
Now that I’m back from abroad, I’m amped to finally be sharing my list of stand-out indie tracks from the last year!
In no particular order, below are my top 50 artists and/or tracks of 2012. Since I started blogging midway through the year, some of these artists have been honored with a post prior and some have not. Thus for the sake of diversifying, in some cases the featured track below is not necessarily my favorite but a varying version of the original or new track entirely (but equally adored, obv).
In keeping with this week’s theme of Halloween-related music, today’s post features the experimental group with ‘goth-pop sensibilities,’ Crystal Castles. The nihilistic worldview of the Canadian duo is evident in their dark tones and dystopic lyrics. Although discordant at times, their array of sounds come together in what is ultimately wickedly mesmerizing stuff.
Also continuing the meme of three-character monikers, the following tracks “Plague” and “Wrath of God” are off their forthcoming album, III, scheduled to drop November 12. Apparently CC used the first take of each recording on the album, averring that “the first take is the rawest expression of an idea.” That level of commitment to a musical philosophy is commendable.
For good measure, I also threw in a vintage favorite, “Celestica.” Listen to and download all three tracks below.
when it’s cold outside hold me / don’t hold me when I choose to rest my eyes coax me / don’t coax me follow me into nowhere / woven with the utmost care
