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***It's no secret that Brooklyn is home to mighty happening music, but few bands have as unique a vibe and presence as Crystal Stilts. Formed in 2003 by Brad Hargett and JB Townsend, the band quickly recorded their debut single, "Shattered Shine," with Sean Mafucci (Gang Gang Dance, Kid Congo Powers). The combination of Hargett's deep and mysterious vocals and Townsend's classicist garagey twang struck an immediate chord with New York's music lovers, and 2005 and 2006 saw the band play with everyone from Blood On The Wall and caUSE co-MOTION! to The Long Blondes and 1990s, culminating in the addition of organ player Kyle Forrester (Ladybug Transistor) and the recording of a four-song EP. 2007 and 2008 were busy for Crystal Stilts as well, with the band rounding out their line-up with bassist Andy Adler (The Ninjas) and drummer extraordinaire Frankie Rose (Vivian Girls), and playing a string of insane shows with the likes of The Clean and The Vaselines. Recently, Brooklyn's Woodsist label reissued the band's single and EP to acclaim from Pitchfork and Stereogum. Along the way, they've been working on the tracks for their eagerly anticipated debut album, taking time to ensure that each tune contributes just the right amount to the whole, a perfect album which realizes their distinctive music vision. Alight of Night delivers on the promise of those early singles. There is an unmistakable flavor of The Velvet Underground to be had, but Crystal Stilts' spectral avant-garage also references the spooked '60s Texas psych of The 13th Floor Elevators and Red Crayola, the gothic blues/punk howl of The Gun Club, the dark, experimental DIYism of early Flying Nun/Xpressway groups Pin Group and Plagal Grind, and a post-punk minimalism that brings to mind early Rough Trade and Factory releases. A strong pop element brings to mind the buzzsaw bubblegum of early Jesus and Mary Chain B-sides and Meat Whiplash. These are all just rough points of reference, though. From the twang 'n' echo of "Crystal Stilts" to the primal pop stomp of "Prismatic Room" and the lovely jangle of "Shattered Shine," the band adds something extra and unique to the mix, whether it's a fleeting dash of harmonica, a hypnotic organ line, or simply an amazing guitar sound. A unity of purpose is at work here, a special mood conjured by the sounds, production and sequence of songs that lifts Alight of Night into the realm of the classics and reveals new twists and turns on each listen. 30-second MP3 excerpts: The Dazzled
Crystal Stilts
Graveyard Orbit
Prismatic Room
SinKing
Departure
Shattered Shine
Verdant Gaze
Bright Night
Spiral Transit
The City In The Sea If you have a recent version of iTunes software on your computer, clicking on the link immediately below should open the iTunes application and take you to that album's iTunes page-- where you can listen to samples and buy this album, or individual tracks: Go to iTunes to browse downloads for CRYSTAL STILTS "Alight of Night" For a complete listing of Midheaven exclusive albums available for download from the iTunes Music Service, emusic and Amazon MP3, please visit the Midheaven Mailorder/Revolver USA Downloadables page. |
