Blue Plate Special: Crystal Castles
Crystal Castles, a Canadian electronic music duo, became pioneers of the electropunk and witch house genres with their groundbreaking fusion of lo-fi electronic noise and pop hooks. Founded by producer/multi-instrumentalist Ethan Kath in 2003 as a solo project, the band was named after She-Ra’s dwelling in the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon and a 1983 Atari video game, reflecting their signature chiptune-infused sound. Kath modified a keyboard with an Atari 5200 sound chip, giving Crystal Castles their distinctive sonic edge. The project evolved into a duo when Kath collaborated with singer Alice Glass in 2006, accidentally creating “Alice Practice” during a microphone test. The track, released as a limited 7″ on Merok Records, sparked immediate interest, selling out its 500-copy run in three days and setting the stage for their explosive debut.
The duo released their self-titled debut album in 2008, followed by another self-titled record in 2010, which featured “Not in Love,” a collaboration with Robert Smith of The Cure. Both albums showcased their chaotic blend of glitchy electronics and haunting melodies, earning them critical acclaim. For their third album, III (2012), Kath and Glass adopted a more streamlined approach, recording directly to tape in Warsaw, and delved into themes of oppression and dystopia. Their electrifying live performances and remixes for artists such as Bloc Party and Health further cemented their reputation as trailblazers in the electronic music scene.
After Alice Glass left the band in 2014 to pursue a solo career, Kath introduced Edith Frances as the new vocalist. The revamped lineup released Amnesty (I) in 2016, continuing the group’s tradition of dark, atmospheric soundscapes. However, controversies surrounding Kath’s alleged misconduct overshadowed the band’s later years, leading to their eventual hiatus. Despite their tumultuous history, Crystal Castles left an indelible mark on electronic music, blending raw experimentation with pop accessibility in a way that felt both accidental and revolutionary.
Some of my favorites from their catalog:
Vanished – from the album Crystal Castles (2008)
Not In Love (Robert Smith mix)Â – from the single Not In Love (2010)
Crimewave – from the album Crystal Castles (2008) (also check out this PETEBOX version)
Affection – from the album Crystal Castles (III) (2012)
Untrust Us – from the album Crystal Castles (2008)
Suffocation – from the album Crystal Castles (II) (2011)
Kerosene – from the album Crystal Castles (III) (2012)
