Crystal Castles and Teengirl Fantasy

By David Gerhard

 

When does so much and so many become to much and too many? The Crystal Castles show at First Avenue pushes the envelope even further then I even thought. From the size of the sold out crowd, to the shear light show that seemed like the northern lights exploding on stage. Such a spectacle needs an opener that can build the crowd, move the crowd and most of all set the mood for such a show. Teengirl Fantasy is a duo that thrives on innovation and a sound that accentuates the human ability on rhythmic inconsistencies.

with a band that succeeds with the development of such dynamic layers of rhythm and sound, the beginning of their set seemed a little diluted. Random bass drops and sound bits was the effects of what appeared to be poor choreography. Then out of left field, every thing seemed to come together sooner than expected. It seemed like they just needed some time to find their bearings on stage. Like night and day, the crowd went from cocktail hour at First Avenue, to a full out club scene. With minimal light effects, their unique sound and shear knowledge of their equipment kept the crowd hanging on every word and moving to every beat. From slow jams to rave influencing bass sequences, Teengirl Fantasy has the ability to set or change any mood. With the crowds ability to change with them made for a great start to the night. I was sceptical when they first started their set but by the end I was actually hoping for a little more. If their latest album 7AM sounds anything like the show I will be another owner of their single Dancing in Slow Motion.

Sticks and stone will break her bones but the stage will never stop her. With a mic in one hand and a crutch in the other, Alice Glass and Ethan Kath took the stage to cast their shadow against the stage lights. At the drop of a hat, the inaudible lyrics began. The astounding amount of bass and volume only brought the crowd closer together. With the mixture of clean and electronic induced vocals, Crystal Castles has the ability to give you something to rave over and some thing you’ll never forget. One thing the I’ll never forget if the command she had over the crowd and the fact that she raged out from start to finish with a broken ankle. With songs like Fainting Spell, Baptism, Alice Practice and Not In Love, what would you expect from music so intense and diverse. This cartoon derived band has forever left a mark in First Avenue and has pushed the envelope for stage lighting and crowd control. I can’t wait to see what comes next, join me next time for an experience you’ll never forget. In the mean time, we dance to an album you’ll never forget.

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/crystalcastles