Crystal Castles

They may have been rather stuck for inspiration when it came to choosing a title for their second album – like the first, it's self-titled – but in all other areas, Crystal Castles have excelled creatively on their highly anticipated new offering. In many ways, it's a more accessible record than their debut, with less emphasis on complete sonic chaos, and more on danceable rhythms and memorable melodies.
Not that they've eliminated the freak-out moments entirely, mind – the opening number, 'Fainting Spells', features some punishing beats courtesy of one-man wrecking machine Ethan Kath, whilst Alice Glass does her trademark shrieking and howling over the top. Elsewhere, though, this record is really about blissful grooves; first single 'Celestica' braids ethereal vocals with a hypnotic bassline to sublime effect; 'Intimate' is an exercise in masterfully executed trance; and Cocteau Twins-go-dance psychedelic rave-up of 'Empathy' is staggeringly brilliant.
There's a nice balance to the record too, with the Satanic death rattle of 'Baptism' and the blaring Death From Above 1979 homage 'Doe Deer' proving that Crystal Castles can still kick out the jams when necessary. Oh, and the album sleeve is rather nifty too. Which is nice.