Crystal Castles aren't as cold as they appear to be, but they are calculating--(III) is an expertly produced album that, at just nearly 40 minutes, leaves fans wanting more.
If iii was a pizza it would be kinda disgusting to look at, it would never really cool down and it would probably give me indigestion, but it would taste absolutely delicious.
Track after track leans heavily on the relentless four-to-the-floor of trance, with Alice Glass's yelped vocals muffled under a weight of sound that's simultaneously boring and abrasive.
III is consistent, cohesive and tight. There is no late album tail-off here - no filler. Perfectly paced and sequenced and very, veryIII is consistent, cohesive and tight. There is no late album tail-off here - no filler. Perfectly paced and sequenced and very, very affecting. Full of insidious pop hooks and dark, unbalanced instrumentation, lyrics and ideas. No one else does this sort of music as well, and CC have never done it better than here.…Expand
For me this is one of the best albums in the world. Album is full of pain and sadness, and I **** love it!!! My fav songs are Transgender,For me this is one of the best albums in the world. Album is full of pain and sadness, and I **** love it!!! My fav songs are Transgender, Kerosene, Wrath of God, etc. Leasr fav: Pale Flesh, Affection, Violent Youth. In love with that…Expand
Crystal Castles have followed up their acclaimed and beautiful yet brutal second album with a raw, dark, depressing, and honest collection ofCrystal 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. Less of a social experience than their previous release, the stripped down production almost hints at a desire to alienate insincere "fans". This is not a feel-good or very danceable album. 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 "punk" music at its absolute finest. (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 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. Highlights: Plague, Kerosene, Wrath of God, Affection, Sad Eyes, Violent Youth, Child I Will Hurt You (honestly the whole album).…Expand
In retrospective, Crystal Castles have become one of the most significant musical duos of the 21st century: Ethan Kath composes some of theIn 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. 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. 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).
It's now 2014 and in all honesty, (III) has aged as well as the rest of their discography has. Although the softer, sleepier sounds might sound unappealing for a duo at CC's level of loudness, you'll crave them sooner or later. "Kerosene", "Wrath of God", and "Transgender" specifically may not 'sound' like they go anywhere climactic upon first listen, but they're actually an explosion of gorgeous melodies that should be catered to at a calmer moment in your life. The opening "Plague" and the safer "Sad Eyes" could work as the poppiest moments on the album if they had more distinguishable vocals, but we don't really want that. To sum it all up, give (III) a chance. Even if you didn't like it back then, it has the unique ability of growing on you upon later listens.…Expand
This album is darker than the previous albums, and definitely my favorite of CC! I love all the songs and the sounds are very different, andThis album is darker than the previous albums, and definitely my favorite of CC! I love all the songs and the sounds are very different, and here the songs have (a bit) more lyrics than in II and I. I love Sad Eyes, Plague, Kerosene, Insulin.. beautiful album.…Expand
As a long time fan of CC, I'd say that this album is ultimately satisfying. The variety of the songs is refreshing, and some are especiallyAs a long time fan of CC, I'd say that this album is ultimately satisfying. The variety of the songs is refreshing, and some are especially wonderful. The only downfall is that none of the songs are spectacular, like was evident in previous works (Alice Practice, Not In Love, etc). Standouts are: Plague, Insulin, Affection, Violent Youth and Telepath.…Expand
