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The Untold Story of Crystal Castles

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Crystal Castles was a Canadian electronic music duo formed in 2006 in Toronto, Ontario, by producer Ethan Kath and vocalist Alice Glass. They gained recognition for their chaotic live performances and distinctive sound, which blended elements of electronic music with lo-fi aesthetics and influences from chiptune and noise music.

Formation and Early Years

Ethan Kath (born Claudio Palmieri) and Alice Glass (born Margaret Osborn) met while doing community service in 2004. They shared an interest in noise music, which led them to create tracks using electronic sounds from circuit-bent devices, notably the Atari 5200. Their debut track, “Alice Practice,” released in 2006, garnered attention online, paving the way for their first EP and subsequent self-titled debut album in 2008. This album included both previously released singles and new material, achieving significant commercial success and critical acclaim.

Musical Evolution

Crystal Castles’ music is characterized by glitchy, abrasive sounds and often features themes of melancholy. Their sophomore album, *(II)*, released in 2010, marked a shift towards a more polished sound while still retaining their unique aesthetic. The album included the hit single “Not In Love,” featuring Robert Smith of The Cure, which became their highest-charting single at that time. The group continued to evolve with their third album, (III) (2012), which explored themes of oppression and reached their highest position on the Billboard 200 chart.

Lineup Changes and Controversies

In October 2014, Alice Glass announced her departure from the band due to personal and professional reasons. She was replaced by Edith Frances. However, in 2017, Glass accused Kath of sexual misconduct during her time with the band, leading to the cancellation of their remaining tour dates. The allegations resulted in a legal dispute between the two, further complicating the band’s future.

Later Work and Inactivity

Crystal Castles released their fourth studio album, Amnesty (I), in 2016 under the new lineup. This album continued to showcase their signature sound but did not achieve the same level of impact as their earlier works. Following the controversies surrounding Glass’s allegations against Kath, the band has remained inactive with no announcements regarding new material or performances since then.

Overall, Crystal Castles left a significant mark on the electronic music scene with their innovative sound and memorable performances but faced challenges that ultimately led to their decline after a successful run in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

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