Crystal Castles

I would have given this album 5 stars except about a third of the album is just total rubbish and not like the majority of the album!

For example 'Alice Practice' embodies the worst of these type of tracks: tuneless, thrashy, discordant and shouty rubbish. I can't imagine anyone loving this song or the others that are similar.

However the ones I love are just something else. They have taken/created melodies from old 8 bit games and combined them with what I would call a primitive electro style. I have always liked some of the old Commodore 64 games melodies and other 8 bit stuff (anyone remember Prince Clumsy? It's still in my head 20 years on!) with their mystical, futuristic and eerie qualties so this niche they have found is 'right up my street' so to speak.

My personal favourites are 'Untrust Us' which is 'out there' but immediate and unique with a strange and undecipherable vocal, 'Crimewave' which is pretty straight ahead dance/sampled vocals for them but is still 'different', 'Air War' which is less dancey but just so cool and slightly sinister, 'Goodtime' with it's just achingly sumptious, wistful and simple melody, 'Vanished' which is the closest to an actual song and again features a naggingly brilliant trancey melody, 'Reckless' which is just thrilling as hell for me and 'Black Panther' which reminds me of 'Huddle Formation' by 'Go Team' fed through a more dancey template.

Overall I would strongly recommend this. The melodies are just so awesome. They may have probably nicked these off Atari St games but even if they did I'm glad they did.

This album has its up and downs. The majority of the songs are good, but there are a select few that are hard to listen to.
Good for any stoners out there or just any one who like to mong... found that although its very electro its really trippy and acid house like... well recommend buying

This band is very unique. Very recommended to be purchased!

i saw these live lastweek and God are they good, Buy this album!!

This is such an immense album, it's difficult to put into words. I think NME said it best with it being 'unintentionally beautiful' because that's what this album is. The first track, Untrust Us, is probably my favourite. It has a different feel to it, like an ambient feel. Then the very famous Alice Practise and Crimewave you know are amazing. Then there's Air War and Courtship Dating. They're just amazing, they're so original, everything about it sounds great and they're beautiful.

These songs are incredible. If you need more convincing check 'Alice Practise', 'Crimewave', 'Untrust Us', 'Air War' and 'Courtship Dating'. There are more songs but those are the 5*'s. Put serious thought into this, it will not fail to please.

I find it kind of offensive that these guys are so often compared to the Klaxons when they're so desperately unique. Their classics are the best tracks on there, Air War, Alice Practice and XXZXCUZX Me feature as their signature tracks but I think the award for best foot stomping- scream alonga- rave tune goes to Love and Caring, sounding like they've been violating a Game Boy from the 80's for a sweet two minutes of glory. Actually tiring to listen to, this album is as emotionally evocative as it is raveable.

Its Been A Long Time Coming, And They've Certainly Lived Up To Exceptions And More.
They've Put Most There Songs On The Lengthly Album, Which Doesn't Disappoint. Whether Your Just Listening To It Relaxing Or At A Party, There Are Songs On The Album That Meet Most Moods.

The Run Of Reckless, Black Panther & Tell Me What To Swallow Build Up A Great Electro Thrash Mood Then Calm Down Again. Its Great.

The Great Thing About The Album Is, If You Want Mindless Thrash They Put On There Best Thrash B-side, XXZXCUZX Me.

Great Album.

CC are an amazing band and they definitely one to look out for in 08. Their sound is just magnificent and soon everybody will catch on, which could be a shame for fans who have known about them for years. This debut album is great. "Courtship Dating", "Knights", "Air War" and "Untrust Us" are a must listen. but every song is worth 5 stars.

heard them on skins episode 3 and bought the old album cant wait for the new one they are an amazing band