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