Review by Tadgh O’Connor
Photos by Kieran Frost
Crystal Castles w/ HEALTH @ The Academy
Let’s start at the start shall we? LA based “noise-rock” outfit HEALTH are probably best known for creating the songs that became “Crimewave” and “Courtship Dating” (by the headliners), but through extensive touring (some of which was done with Trent Reznor and his crowd) they have definitely come into their own stride.
Their latest (non-remix) album “Get Color” is a lot friendlier than their debut eponymous, softer feedback and more conventional song structures. It still retains the same vast and menacing amount of effects and electronics though. A very brave undertaking for a touring band.
HEALTH execute extremely well, there is no out-of-time mismatch of synths and acoustic drums. During their set when a mic falls off their supplementary floor-tom there is little panic and the bands “fuck-it” attitude saves them in a graceful nonchalant sort of way.
With not the most ideal crowd, to say the least (We’ll get to that in a bit), HEALTH perform and do so while simultaneously being chaotic and tight. Songs like “Die Slow” and “We Are Water” act as the crests of the set. While, on the other hand the likes of “Girl Attorney” and “Courtship” are waves bridging the void, with concentrated outbursts of awesomeness. They are perfection be it on plastic or live.
Crystal Castles have a bad rep as a live band. A history of half-hearted vocals and short sets didn’t exactly leave me optimistic about seeing them live. When they arrived on-stage 20 minutes late it seemed to be business as usual. The crowd waiting impatiently and I, sadly, was growing tired of Redneck Manifesto’s “Friendship” being played over the PA.
The lights were cut and a triumphant roar came from the crowd. They open up with “Fainting Spells” while flashing strobes highlight the contrast between Alice’s hair/make-up and her pale complexion. She isn’t much of a singer live, screeching rather than fitting any conventions. She is saved by Ethan’s technical prowess, Their drummer’s consistency and her own energetic stage antics.
Throughout the set Alice takes to the kick-drum and strikes cymbals with her mic. She consistently throws herself into the mercy of the crowd. Speaking of the crowd, this is where the majority of problems lie with crystal castles gigs. Sure they’re not great live, mediocre at best but they hardly deserve bad press to the extent they’ve gotten. A gig is an atmospherical entity and the crowd certainly make a major part of this. They’re a combination of shoplifter and self-absorbed nme-reading types. It made it seem like The Babyshambles were supporting Aslan.
The crowd constantly pushed and pulled. Not as a whole, but as selfish individuals driven by idol worship. During one of Alice’s expeditions into the crowd there was a sudden rush from the right side causing the entire crowd to fall. When she’s not falling over she’s being groped by the crowd. The crowd seems to have built an adoration for Alice Glasses image rather than the music she creates.
Despite their mediocrity Crystal Castles are entertaining live, a Guns N’ Roses for a new generation. They’re energetic live shows prove a fitting setting for those “party party” types which sadly I am not one of. A good catch if only to witness the runaway train before it wrecks.
