CRYSTAL CASTLES have unveiled details of their fourth studio album AMNESTY (I)--due out August 19 (Casablanca Records)--alongside new single "Char," which premiered today (July 11) as Annie Mac's Hottest Record on BBC Radio 1. The single is available to stream now here:
"Char" Spotify: http://bit.ly/29J1JYW
Following visual previews of new songs "Femen" and "Concrete," "Char" is the first single to be unveiled from the forthcoming album, the follow-up to 2012's critically acclaimed III. An electronic lullaby that is both hard-hitting and tender at the same time, with poignant vocals from Edith Frances, "Char" is quintessential CRYSTAL CASTLES.
Known for their chaotic live shows and visceral, melancholic homemade productions, CRYSTAL CASTLES released a trilogy of critically acclaimed albums between 2008-2013. Their last album III was the Tumblr and Hype Machine album of the year for 2013, and NME's #4 album of the year. In 2015 they released the standalone tracks "Frail" and "Deicide" with new member Edith Frances.
Across its 12 tracks, AMNESTY (I) explores the sonic and atmospheric range that listeners have learned to expect from a CRYSTAL CASTLES record. From gothic electronic paeans to distorted digital raves, from cinematic synth and noise crescendos to hip-hop and trap infused synth pop, it is uniformly compelling, uncompromising and anchored in feeling.
In support of the album, CRYSTAL CASTLES haveannounced a run of North American and European live dates. They've played only a small handful of shows in the past two years, so the new dates present an opportunity to experience the new songs from AMNESTY (I).
AMNESTY (I) is released on August 19, 2016 via Casablanca Records.
Album pre-order starts at 7 pm ET/4 pm PT today, July 11:
About CRYSTAL CASTLES: Crystal Castles are an experimental electronic band from Toronto, Ontario, the project of songwriter/producer Ethan Kath. Crystal Castles are known for exhilarating live shows and lo-fi melancholic homemade productions. They released many limited vinyl singles in 2006 and 2007 before releasing a trilogy of critically acclaimed albums between 2008 and 2012. Debut album, Crystal Castles, was released in 2008 and was listed on NME's "Top 100 Greatest Albums of the Decade" list at No. 39. In 2010 second album, titled (II), charted on the Billboard 200, and included their first worldwide charting single "Not In Love" featuring vocalist Robert Smith of The Cure. The album has received general acclaim and was placed on many 2010 top critics lists. Third album (III) was released on November 12, 2012 and was the number 1 album of 2012 on Tumblr and on The Hype Machine. The album included four singles: "Plague," "Wrath of God," "Sad Eyes" and "Affection." Crystal Castles' fourth album will follow in spring 2016 through Casablanca Records. "Frail" and "Deicide" (both Hype Machine # 1's) have trailed the new album, the first Crystal Castles songs to feature vocalist Edith - and the most successful songs online in the band's 10 year career to date.
ABOUT CASABLANCA RECORDS:
Casablanca Records, the legendary label of the 70's, defined the sound of its era. During the infamous days of Studio 54, Casablanca launched the careers of artists such as Kiss, Parliament, Donna Summer and Giorgio Moroder. Re-launched by Republic Records executive vice president Rob Stevenson, the label now focuses on Dance and Electronic music. Working with a global roster of both established superstars and emerging new talent, Casablanca Records is home to Stromae, Giorgio Moroder, Tiësto, Kungs, Cheat Codes, Møme, Prince Fox, Felix Jaehn, SG Lewis and Crystal Castles.