Crystal Castles’ track names have always been aggressive. Whether that’s to reinforce the duo’s inherently rather abrasive appeal, to throw the weaker minded off their scent, or just because they sound ominously badass is kind of irrelevant, as either way, the tradition has continued onto Crystal Castles III. With songs named things like ‘Plague’, ‘Wrath Of God’, ‘Violent Youth’, ‘Mercenary’ and ‘Child, I Will Hurt You’, the rather tamer titled ‘Affection’ seems a little incongruous at first. But then it has to be said that Crystal Castles aren’t what they used to be. Most of the jagged rawness has dissipated by now, instead being replaced by a consummate professionalism that comes as a result of Ethan Kath taking on sole production duties.
‘Affection’ is one of the shortest tracks on the album, and comes as a bit of a respite; more like a soothing soundscape than a fully formed song. Beginning with CC’s trademark stuttering synths (which are almost identically to those in the first few seconds of older cut ‘Baptism’) ‘Affection’ does not descend into a fractious beat, nor a four-on-the-floor banger like the similarity with ‘Baptism’ might suggest, but sinks smoothly into a shimmering haze of Purity Ring-esque delight. Alice’s voice is breathy, and cleaner than usual, and the beat is minimal and laid back. The only oddity is the rather abrupt ending, but that aside, ‘Affection’ really is a great example of how Crystal Castles have matured.
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By Alex Throssell
Dance Yrself Clean
