Crystal Castles

The Canadian duo Crystal Castles is commonly associated with the latest crop of electro-pop/nü rave dance jammers. In addition to appearing one of them Kitsuné compilations (along with Passions and Thieves Like Us), group cofounder Ethan Kath has remixed tracks by Bloc Party and Klaxons. But unlike their fellow hipsters, Crystal Castles doesn't go for slick club grooves or post-modern, neo-Kraftwerk coolness. Instead, the group deals in vintage Atari bleeps, crunchy distortion, jackhammer beats and claustrophobic soundscapes. In fact, Crystal Castles' brand of bouncy juvenilia sounds far more inspired by noise-rock obscuros like Coin and Extreme Animals it does the straight-up electro of Fischerspooner and Adult. Do arrive early and catch Health, who just released a split single with Crystal Castles on the Lovepump United imprint. These freaks are even more spazzed-out than their tour mates! With Health, Past Lives, David Wolf. Chop Suey, 1325 E. Madison St. 324-8000. 8 p.m. $10. JUSTIN F. FARRAR
Thu., March 6, 8 p.m., 2008