Search - Crystal Stilts :: Alight of Night

At last!

boeanthropist | Cambridge, MA | 11/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is arty, faux-low-fi skronk goodness, impressionistic indie rock of a stripe barely heard since the mid/late 1980s. The endlessly repeated Jesus and Mary Chain / Flying Nun (label) comparisons are apt, if only because there's been so little music like this released in recent years. My only wish is that the band would write more songs, because there are a few too many (unnecessary) remakes of songs from their earlier EPs on here -- but all in all, my fave debut album of 2008."

Crystal Stilts "Alight of night"

nowaveshow | Noblesville, Indiana | 05/14/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Crystal Stilts combine multiple influences from different eras/bands to form their own sound. There is a cross section of gloomy new wave from the early 80s (j&m joy divison), garage inspired proto punk from the late 60s and early 70s (velvet underground) and a slight dream pop guitar influence from the early 90s (black tambourine). All of these bands and eras play a distinct role in shaping Crystal Stilts's music. The lead vocalist seems to be defined by two groups: Joy Division and the lesser known Skywave. The cd starts with 6 brilliant songs out of the gate. The opener "the dazzled" sets a strong tone with a nice groove, and memorable vocals. Each of the first 6 songs demand your attention and have a certain energy to them thats hard to describe. The only problem is that from songs 7-11 it feels like the band released a parachute and drifted slowly towards the end of the cd. The second half of the album doesn't have the intensity or bite that the first half did. That doesn't mean that the later songs are unsatisfactory especially "the city in the sea" which gives the album a serene ending, it just illistrates how amazing the first 6 songs are. Overall the band does a great job of wielding their influences together to create an album thats worth owning.



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