Crystal Castles : Amnesty (I)
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Crystal Castles : Amnesty (I)

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After Alice Glass’ dramatic parting with Ethan Kath of Crystal Castles in 2014, it seemed the dream was over. But Kath is back with new vocalist Edith Frances, in a discomfiting simulacrum of what once was.

Crystal Castle’s schismatic brand of assaulting electro bares its teeth in bangers like Fleece and Enth, tracks that hint there may still be a pulse in this project. But by the time we’ve reached track three, Char, a sense of déjà vu has settled in. Amnesty (I) doesn’t dive into new realms as each of its predecessors did, instead content to recline in recognisable forms.

Lead single Chloroform, indicative of their new direction, is where it all unravels, as Frances apes the opiate-laden tones of Glass in III’s Affection to half the effect. Here Kath’s ugly, invasive synth stings feel laboured; a derisive sneer instead of a keyboard to the temple.

Ornament and Kept act as microcosm for the record: Frances’ vocal samples fade along without any memorable impact. Where new beginnings were promised, a danceworthy yet underwhelming comeback tour is delivered.

It’s everything you loved about Crystal Castles, as performed by a cover band who fail to see the irony in the shining veneer of their moniker being replaced with cheap glass.

BY DAVID MOLLOY