Rating: NNNN
Ethan Kath (or whatever he’s calling himself these days) claims that he instituted a no-computer policy for this album and recorded everything to tape using a one-take rule, but he’s probably lying. In fact, III is cleaner and slicker than either of the two previous Crystal Castles albums, and the more radio-friendly sound suits the Toronto synth-punk band better than you’d think.
It took me a few listens to accept the trance synth riffs that dominate, not to mention Alice Glass’s increasingly melodic screeching, but the apocalyptic undertones are surprisingly effective with some sugar on top. Much of the album feels like a bad trip at a cheesy dance club. Their aggro side is still there on the track Insulin, but it’s the slower-tempo songs that are most intriguing. At that speed, the material comes across like some kind of mutant goth R&B, which sounds way better than it has any right to.
Top track: Affection
