Although the softer, sleepier sounds might sound unappealing for a duo at CC's level of loudness, you'll crave them sooner or later.
It's now 2014 and in all honesty, (III) has aged as well as the rest of their discography has. That was Ethan and Alice's intentions beforehand, but it comes off more cynical this time around, especially if you read into the purpose of the album cover (don't ask, Google it). But eventually, everybody matures and although (III) still has some of that eardrum-disembowling synth ("Insulin", short, sweet, and a highlight, tbh) we fell in love with on (II)'s "Doe Deer", most of everything here aims at a moodier, more melancholy sound. In retrospective, Crystal Castles have become one of the most significant musical duos of the 21st century: Ethan Kath composes some of the In retrospective, Crystal Castles have become one of the most significant musical duos of the 21st century: Ethan Kath composes some of the strangest synth noises and then Alice Glass' even stranger vocals - which can transcend from magically soothing to screaming-in-your-f***ing-face within seconds - are the icing on the Crystal cake. Highlights: Plague, Kerosene, Wrath of God, Affection, Sad Eyes, Violent Youth, Child I Will Hurt You (honestly the whole album). This album is so aesthetically pleasing that if you care about the kind of social issues the band have expressed so much concern with as of late, diving into this deep world of gloom will prove to be an experience greater than I & II. (III) should disappoint nobody, except of course for the completely unaware Tumblr-obsessed Tweens who listen to bands solely because of their hair colors and visual blogability (don't blame the band, that kind of thing is inevitable). This is "punk" music at its absolute finest. This is experimental dance music for the thinking person fed up with the current political climate and its blatantly over the top disrespect for and objectivation of women. This is not a feel-good or very danceable album. Less of a social experience than their previous release, the stripped down production almost hints at a desire to alienate insincere "fans". Crystal Castles have followed up their acclaimed and beautiful yet brutal second album with a raw, dark, depressing, and honest collection of Crystal Castles have followed up their acclaimed and beautiful yet brutal second album with a raw, dark, depressing, and honest collection of material that succeeds in showing fantastic maturation and growth.