Baptism not Celestica was the obvious choice of début single from Crystal Castles part deux. It serves up the elements of Crystal Castles we already know and love. Namely, Alice shrieking unforgettably, Morse code verse bleeps that are as hooky as Leatherface‘s larder, and something new in the pounding trance overtones that are more grievous bodily harm than they are euphoric. Like a person walking down a dark alley late at night towards their destination, Baptism looks back as much as it looks forward, and serves well to conjure up the duo’s early references to switch-blades!
It is a great track from a band that intertwines melody with intimidation and fear with flawless skill. Though I suspect many will not take it to heart, I find it hard to imagine anyone not actually being moved by it in some way – be it to love or hate. And that’s Crystal Castles for you. Hugging with one hand and pushing away with the other. Treat ‘em keep ‘em keen. That’s why they’re so compulsive.
Release Date 26/07/2010 (Universal)
I started out writing for the Manchester Evening News as a freelance journalist back in 2008. The idea that I would be given free access to music and gigs seemed somehow miraculous to me, and I proceeded to take full advantage of the situation. When the M.E.N. decided to constrict its coverage to only the very biggest bands, Simon Poole approached me with a plan to make sure that all the very talented musicians of this world that pass through and/or live in Manchester would not go unnoticed. As the New Releases editor here at Silent Radio Towers, it remains my proud duty to cast a critical eye over the music and reviews that come my way in a manner that is both supportive and fair. Above all, I strive to write as entertainingly possible. Favourite musicians include the Pixies, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Mercury Rev, Os Mutantes, The Knife, Beach House etc etc. I'm a firm believer that all genres (except nu-metal) contain music of great quality...
