Album Review: Crystal Castles
March 31, 2008
Cross-posted on akuhei bakery
I guess I was wrong. Despite my initial reservations, Toronto-based duo Crystal Castles‘ glitchy, weird sound has stretched out to a full-length album. And it’s pretty great, too. Read on!
Crystal Castles - Self-titled
Last Gang Records
Crystal Castles are, unfortunately, not named after the old Atari game, but rather, a location from the old She-Ra cartoon. It’s unfortunate since
A - Atari games have a lot more old-school cool than crappy He-Man knock-offs
and B - Talking about the bleepy, primitively electronic noises that passed as music in retro games would have provided the perfect segue into talking about Crystal Castles’ own brand of bleepy, primitively electronic noises.
The self-titled album opens with “Untrust Us” which, with it’s heavily-treated vocals courtesy of singer Alice Glass, and washes of plinky-plonky Nintendo-synths from multi-instrumentalist Ethan Kath, is probably the best opening track you can hope to get. Because, if you like it, you’re sure to continue; however, if you absolutely hate it, you’ll rip the CD out straight away, and sell it on eBay.
And it’s good to get those haters out of the way before “Alice Practice” which they would despise; in fact, I hated it when I first heard it. Mainly because it sounds like Alice is desperately shouting over the sounds of someone playing Space Invaders. Once again, if you liked the sound of that, you’ll probably like the rest of the album; however if you didn’t, stick with it anyway, since the thrash-electro doesn’t return until “XXZXCUZX Me” (which is under two minutes) and “Love And Caring” (which is only slightly over).
The rest of the album sticks with the “weirdly dark, somewhat-ambient-but-still-upbeat, low-fi sound” I described in my initial post, one insanely catchy songs like “Crimewave”, which become less weirdly dark on second single “Air War”, hopefully future single “Courtship Date”, the slightly-overlong instrumental “Magic Spells”, and the short-but-sweet “Good Times”.
We also get a slice perfect dark-pop in “Vanished”, with sampled vocals from Aussie band Van She recalling Cut Copy. This is where things go slightly off, as the band sort of run out of ideas. While most of the songs on the album up to this point hadn’t deviated from the glitch-electronic template, sometimes using incredibly-similar sounding drum loops, I sort of liked that; it had a Kraftwerk quality, and tied the whole album together.
Tracks 11 onwards are all rather throwaway, at least, after you’ve heard the first ten tracks. “Knights” is another one that sounds like the boss battle music from some old Atari game; “Love And Caring” is basically a re-hash of “Alice Practice”; while as “Through The Hosiery”, “Reckless” and “Black Panther” sound just like the rest of the album (although the latter does up the tempo a bit). Album closer “Tell Me What To Swallow”, despite the porny-sounding title, is a rather sweet, possibly acoustic little love ballad, with Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt”-style echo effects on Alice’s vocals. Which is a perfect end to a not-so-perfect album.
While not exactly a 5 star record, I would highly recommend Crystal Castles’ debut to anyone who is intrigued by what they’ve read here, or any songs they’ve heard around the place, as it is genuinely fresh and interesting (unless you listen to glitch music, which I can’t, since I find it, well, unlistenable) and pretty darn danceable. I’m looking forward to seeing how they’ll develop their sound, unless, and I’ve got a bad feeling they might, CC turn out to be another one of those bands (such as Test Icicles, or label mates Death From Above 1979), who make an enjoyabley original debut with a lot of promise, only to split up soon after.
Not that I can see Alice Glass doing a Dev Hynes style folk album…
Download “Alice Practice”
Download “Courtship Date”
Crystal Castles on MySpace
Crystal Castles remixes on MySpace
Scott Pilgrim Gets It Together
March 26, 2008
Cross-posted on akuhei bakery
If, like me, you are an avid fan of Bryan Lee O’ Malley’s Scott Pilgrim series of graphic novels will probably be aware of Plumtree, the Canadian all-girl indie pop band, whether you not it or not. The books are peppered with references to the group, from the titular character’s “Mass Teen Fainting” t-shirt (the name of the foursome’s first album), to the name of the series itself; O’ Malley, under his recording name of Kupek has also covered their songs (see last week’s Weekend Mix).
So, why have you never heard of Plumtree until you read Scott Pilgrim (or, if you still haven’t, until this stupid blog post)? That is a question I wish I could answer, but can’t. Because there is no reason. The group are just such a perfect pop-rock group, I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of them when I first got my hands on their sophomore, and possibly best, album, Predicts the Future.
Formed in 1993 when the Gillis sisters (Lynette, aged 14, on drums; Carla, 17, on guitar and vocals) met Amanda Braden (15, guitar and vocals) and Nina Martin (16, bass) through mutual music teachers, in their hometown of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The teaming of Amanda and Carla’s duelling rhytmn and lead guitars, along with their sweetly harmonising vocals, are what underpins the greatness of Plumtree. By 1995 the group had recorded Mass Teen Fainting, their debut full-length album, which was a college radio hit. Around this time, Nina Martin left the band go to McGill University, and was replaced by Catriona Sturton.
Plumtree’s second album, Predicts the Future, was recorded in 1997 and released in 1998, and was full of awesome indie-rock pop songs, from the melancholic “You Just Don’t Exist” to the heavy-ish riot-grrrl style “Scott Pilgrim” (which you can download below). The album found it’s way to the #1 spot on the national college radio chart, Earshot, as well as propelling Plumtree onto the covers of weekly magazines, including Canada’s music monthly, Exclaim!.
Soon after the release of their third album, This Day Won’t Last at All, which saw the band’s sound mature in the direction evident from the sad, country-ish “I Love You When You’re Walking Away” from Predicts The Future, Plumtree played their final show at the Marquee Club in their hometown of Halifax, before following their original bass player by returning to their respective university.
This isn’t the end, though; the talent that was evidenced by this group of individuals was not squandered (Christ, I sound like a narrator in a CS Lewis novel). While Amanda Braden, Catriona Sturton and Nina Martin continue to study, Lynette and Carla Gillis continue to perform in the trio Bontempi, and Carla also records solo under her own name. They’re really rather good, and I’d recommened you to check both them, and Plumtree out.
Buy Plumtree’s albums in MP3 format @ Zunior
Plumtree on MySpace
Bontempi on MySpace
Carla Gillis on MySpace
References
Stained Pages interview with Plumtree
Plumtree on Wikipedia
Plumtree biography on MapelMusic
The End Of Days
March 26, 2008
Cross-posted on Second Hand Popcorn
Last night, after stumbling out from the screen into the jarringly bright lights of the cinema, feeling dishevelled and thoroughly un-amused, I had an epihphany.
THERE IS NO GOD.
The “film” I had just been witness to serves as enough evidence as to why I have come to this conclusion. Because, O my brothers, last night I went to see Meet The Spartans.
Meet The Spartans
In cinemas now (but please, don’t bother)
You know that feeling you get, when you’re watching one of those horrific news stories about a man who raped and killed dozens of kids, or something? And you just hate that person with every ounce of your being, and vow to yourself that, if you ever cross paths with the individual, you will throttle them to death with your bare hands? Well, that about sums up my feelings towards the makers of this “film”.
Actually, that might be unfair. I’m pretty sure that writer/producer/director team Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer are actually either
a) Special needs kids, or
b) 11-year-olds whose father took them to Fox studios on “Take Your Kid To Work Day”, where they promptly wrote the script in crayons
Such is the quality of the finished product. Supposedly a spoof of 300, Meet The Spartans also finds time to poke fun at any number of pop-culture icons from 2007. And by poke fun, I mean put in the film hoping to raise a wry smile because you vaguely recognise them. You get Ugly Betty as the mysterious oracle - and, er, that’s it. Then there’s Paris Hilton, whose character is dumb and blonde. Then Britney Spears, whose character is dumb and blonde. And Rocky, for some reason. And any film that disses Rocky must have been created by morons, right?
I should probably also point out that all these “famous faces” have to have their names exclaimed out loud by other characters, since the actors/actresses portraying them don’t look a thing like them. Which isn’t good if your supposed to be an impersonator.
The principle cast, meanwhile, is just as unimpressive; leading man Sean Maguire, previously seen in, uh, Grange Hill and Eastenders over here in the UK (so christ knows why he was in this), has little…well, anything. Comic timing, wit, screen presence…he could easily have been replaced with a piece of blank paper stapled to a broom. Carmen Electra breaks away from her usual roles by playing the sexy slut. Kevin Sorbo, TV’s Hercules, struggles to hide the sadness evident in his face, the sure sign of a washed-up actor. Oh, and Ken Davitian, aka the “fat guy from Borat” (the narrators words, not mine) turns up. Playing the fat guy from Borat, except he’s speaking in English.
Much like with recent “comedians” like Russell Brand and Dane Cook, and comedies like Epic Movie, I just…don’t get what about this film is supposed to be funny. It basically plays like one of those end-of-year TV shows they have on New Year’s Eve, where they show clips from all the music, films and pop-culture events from the year. only without any witty commentary - they’re just replicated. In a completley shoddy, unfunny way.
Oh, and before I forget, there’s also some healthy doses of racism and sexism, just for good measure. Can’t have one of these dumb comedies (wait, scratch that - Anchorman’s a dumb comdedy, and I love it. This is a retarded comedy) without it.
I think I can safely say that while watching Meet The Spartans I laughed almost as much as I did when watching Schindler’s List. Which is to say, not at all.
Over And Out
March 26, 2008
Cross-posted on akuhei bakery
Just a quick post to say that the Bravery competition is now over. Thanks to everyone who entered, and congratulations to Tara Dykens, who won the band’s latest release, The Sun And The Moon Complete, as well as an exclusive poster. Congratulations!
Win!: The Bravery’s “The Sun and the Moon Complete” + poster
March 24, 2008
Cross-posted on akuhei bakery
Well well, if it isn’t the first official (not that have been any unofficial) Akuhei Bakery Competition Extrazaganza!
In association with The Fader, we (that is, I) have up for grabs a copy of indie-rock electronica 5-piece The Bravery (whom I had the pleasure of seeing at the first Wireless Festival a couple of years back)’s album The Sun and The Moon Complete, along with an exclusive poster. The Sun and The Moon Complete is more of an addition to 2007’s The Sun and The Moon, comprising both of that original album, plus an extra disc featuring the same songs in the same order, re-imagined and re-worked by the band. And it’s jolly good stuff. To get a taste for the album, check out the weird fast-motion/photocopied image-based video for “Believe”.
For your chance to win…well, just e-mail me. It’s as simple as that. No question or anything. It’s very simple. My e-mail address is tomm91@googlemail.com - simply send me your name and address, and if you’re an attractive female I shall start stalking you the first person to do so, you win the album and poster. Good luck!
Weekend Mix #12 - Precious Little Life
March 22, 2008
Yes, it’s the weekend again, already. For this weekend’s mix, I’ve gone for another one of those “stuff I’m listening to at the minute” mixes, also known as “stuff that I currently have on my computer, so i don’t have to go and grab a load of CDs and rip them”.
We’ve got some Mystery Jets, in anticipation of their sophomore album 21; something by current indie darlings The Teenagers (FYI, the track on the mix is one of the few good ones on the album. Expect a full review next week….maybe); some music from Kupek, aka Bryan Lee O’ Malley, creator of Scott Pilgrim, covering Canadian indie-popsters Plumtree (more from them next week too); finishing off with some good ol’ KLF. See you next week!
1.Mystery Jets - “You Can’t Fool Me Dennis”
2.Supergrass - “Alright”
3.Final Fantasy - “This Lamb Sells Condos”
4.Primal Scream - “Kowalski”
5.Crystal Castles - “Magic Spells”
6.The Apples In Stereo - “Man You Gotta Get Up”
7.The Bravery - “An Honest Mistake”
8.Kupek - “You Just Don’t Exist”
9.The Teenagers - “Starlett Johansson”
10.Marketa Irglova - “If You Want Me”
11.Guillemots - “Trains To Brazil”
12.The KLF - “Justified And Ancient (Stand By The JAMs)”
This time, with feeling
March 20, 2008
Cross-posted on akuhei bakery
Since I’m a bit lazy, but since I should probably post something, and I’ve been listening to this song over and over, here’s the theme to the Bruce Lee film Enter The Dragon, by the legendary Lalo Schriffin (who is now, unfortunatley, stuck doing the music for the Rush Hour films). It’s rather good, you know.
Grindhouse Double Bill! Part Two: Planet Terror
March 19, 2008
Cross-posted on Second Hand Popcorn
Hey kids! It’s time for part two of the Grindhouse review that I promised nearly a week ago! Woo!
Anyway, let’s get down to brass tacks. Planet Terror: this is more like it. Go-go dancer Rose McGowan fights zombies with her machine gun leg. Hells yeah.
If you’ll recall, in the Death Proof review I hilariously posted an image of me watching grey paint dry - a sly dig at how God-damn boring that film was. For Planet Terror, I have an equally representitive image, that sums up the quality of the film:
Yes, I am invoking the holy text of Die Hard 4.0, wherein John McClane, peace be upon him, killed a helicopter with a car because he ran out of bullets. That’s how awesome Planet Terror is. Didn’t you already read the bit about how Rose McGowan is a go-go dancer? Fighting zombies? With her machine gun leg? Huh?
I guess you want a full plot synopsis then. Well, in Planet Terror, rather than starting with boring girls talking, as Death Proof did, you get Rose McGowan dancing around in her skimpies. The film the continues to introduce bad-ass kung-fu truck driver Freddy Rodriguez, a testicle-slicing mad scientist played by Sayeed out of Lost, evil doctor Josh Brolin, Fergie out of the Black Eyed Peas as the good doctor’s wife’s secret kesbian lover and - oh yes - Bruce fucking Willis. John McClane himself is actually in this film. Conversley, at around this point in Death Proof…the boring girls were still sitting around talking.
Planet Terror really does deliver on the schlocky, OTT action promised by Rodriguez and Tarantino when these films were originally announced - there’s exploding heads, bags of balls (yes, those kind) and even a melting wang. Quentin Tarantino’s, actually.
Rodriguez’s reference points are obvious - the forboding mood and synthy score recalls John Carpenter (back when he was good), and the zombies are in thrall to Romero’s Living Dead series - Tom Savini, said series’ make-up maestro, appears here as a cop - and countless others. The film is also pretty straight-faced, in spite of it’s ridiculousness - Willis’ army general claims to have killed Osama bin Laden himself - which is a breath of fresh air in an age of tongue-in-cheek action films. And it just serves to make this film all the more like the awesome Grindhouse movies this is based on.
Oh, and a kid dies, which is always good. It makes up for the Haley Joel Osmonts and *shudder* Dakota Fannings of the movie world.
So, Death Proof - boring as shit, but has Kurt Russel.
Planet Terror - melting genitalia, machine gun legs, go-go dancing, zombies, lesbiabns, Bruce Willis
I think we have a clear winner, don’t you?
New Raconteurs album!
March 19, 2008
The Raconteurs have announced that their new album, Consolers of the Lonely, will be coming out next week (March 25th)!. And they only finished recording it last week. A video for the first single from the album, “Salute Your Solution” will likely be released on the same day. Says Jack White:
“The album was mastered and completed in the first week of March. It was then taken immediately to a vinyl pressing plant. Then to a CD pressing plant. Then preparations to sell it digitally began. March 25th became the soonest date to have it available in EVERY FORMAT AT ONCE. The band have done no interviews or advertisements for this record before this announcement. The purpose: to get the album to the fans as soon as possible and as we promised. We wanted to get this record to fans, the press, radio, etc., all at the EXACT SAME TIME so that no one has an upper hand on anyone else regarding it’s availability, reception or perception.“
Pretty awesome, huh? Unfortunatley, since the album has just been finished, no songs have been released yet - so we’ll just have to make do with a couple of a cover of The Undertones’ “Teenage Kicks” by the band instead. Enjoy!
Things I Learned Today
March 17, 2008
- The new Hulk movie looks pretty rad
- I’m a character in 24
- Don’t bring bears into an office enviroment
- The Thrills last album flopped, and EMI dropped them
- Err….yo momma…is…good…at head…yeah….
