(III) is not a surprising album for Crystal Castles. They’ve always relied on harsh synth sounds and electronically-pitched vocals to achieve their musical goals, and this album is no exception. Even so, it is a welcome addition to their discography. Following the tone set by their last release, the duo have returned with an album that hits hard, both sonically and lyrically. Frequent lyrical themes include the contrast between health and sickness, purity and impurity, and life and death, but you wouldn’t know it solely by listening to the album. Vocalist Alice Glass’ emotional lyrics are pitched and altered to the point where her words are inaudible, and become secondary to the electronic sounds produced by her musical partner Ethan Kath. Regardless, it is still an album worth visiting more than once. Standout tracks Wrath of God and Plague are sure to get stuck in your head, and are perhaps two of Crystal Castles’ greatest songs.
FCC: Clean!
Play: 1,3,6,10
RIYL: The Knife, Purity Ring, Health, Grimes