Singles

Crystal Castles - Baptism

Sam Lee 26/07/2010

Rating: 3.5/5

Ok, so here it is. If you've never really been into Crystal Castles, then don't bother listening to 'Baptism'. In fact, don't even bother reading this review. You're wasting your time. Go on, get out.

However, if you're already a fan of the Canadian noiseniks, then please, pull up a pew and make yourself at home! Because, although 'Baptism', taken from their second eponymous album, probably won't convert any naysayers, it's still undoubtedly one of the duo's better releases.

It's harsh, atmospheric and nihilistic, jam-packed with their trademark eerie sonar bleeps, brutal bitcrushed synths and vocalist Alice Glass' visceral yelps - meaning that just listening to it becomes something of an uncomfortable experience. In other words, it's business as usual for Crystal Castles, who, with this track, manage to combine the ferocity of 'Alice Practice' with the slightly more accessible edge (by Crystal Castles' standards, at least) of 'Crimewave'.

Haters will almost certainly continue hating, but, if you like Crystal Castles' past releases, then this one's a pretty safe bet too.