The Infamous Crystal Castles Continue Their Ascent
(this was also submitted as an online article but they are taking too long to respond so here it is now)
Whether it is a generational gap or an inherent resistance to the youthful cult section of their fandom, ignorance of the band Crystal Castles at this point is becoming poignantly difficult and intellectually stubborn. They have only performed in Las Vegas once which happened in 2008 at Fabulous Festival inside/outside the Orleans Arena. Because of what occurred at this performance, their possible return to Sin City remains a distinct grey area. I could explain what happened at the show, but it would be easier to watch this YouTube video and see it with your own eyes. This was of course when they were touring in support of their self-titled debut album which was fueled by an almost untouchable sense of angst and raw energy. So it comes as no surprise that lead singer, Alice Glass, was more than happy to back up each and every claim the music made on the album by fighting security at concerts on a global scale and notching unshakeable memories through the cerebral cortex of anyone who stood witness to her and musical genius/band mate, Ethan Kath.
I was at the show in 2008, and as open minded as my musical tastes and desires stretch (especially factoring in my long time dedication to underground punk music), even I was not prepared for what I witnessed, both musically and in the form of transcendent attitude. But I could not shake Alice Glass or Crystal Castles as a whole from my consciousness in any way afterwards. I studied their music, lyrics, and purpose with tireless focus in preparation for their performance at Ultra Music Festival in 2009 at Bicentennial Park in Miami. Not only was I blown away as the event unfolded, but they embodied everything I had been searching for in music: the courage to be who they are entirely juxtaposed with the ability to connect with everyone around them.
They were already my favorite band before the release and significant growth in sound production and artistry demonstrated on their second album, simply titled “II.” And after witnessing them executing the greatest musical performance I have ever felt or seen at the Hollywood Palladium October 20th of this year, I have no doubt that being a fan of Crystal Castles is the greatest sonic decision I have ever made. Alice was not fighting security, and you could feel the evolution of their sound almost to the sinew in your bones. Now with their aptly titled album “III” available, it is obvious that they are a significant force in the music industry that they would love to see burned to the ground. A lot of albums try to be overly positive as a means of escape or hopelessly negative to sell records to the misery demographic, but Crystal Castles are observing the state of existence, politics, and global attitudes as realists and the accompanying music goes so well with the current state of the world that labeling them as just another set of human beings seems trite.
