History Music / CrystalCastlesBand

Crystal Castles was a Canadian electronica band formed in 2006, known for their dark, melancholic aesthetic and a unique sound that started out as chiptune/electropunk-influenced {{synthpop}} before transitioning into futuristic and industrial territory that would become most synonymous with the genre of witch house.

On October 8, 2014, Alice announced her departure from Crystal Castles, later embarking on a solo career the following year. The language exchanged between her and Ethan afterwards implied a less-than-amicable split. On April 16, 2015, Kath released a new song under the Crystal Castles name titled [[http://pitchfork.com/news/59294-crystal-castles-arent-dead-return-with-frail/ "Frail"]] with vocals done by a new singer named Edith Frances, who would then become Alice's replacement. This pairing would release a new album, ''Amnesty (I)'', in August 2016; although they announced they were working on an ''Amnesty (II)'' nine months later, the band has not released any music since.

In October 2017, Alice published a statement claiming that she suffered sexual, emotional, physical and mental abuse from Ethan from when she first began recording with him at the age of 15. Ethan publicly denied the allegations and sued her for defamation, but the suit was dismissed in 2018. The band cancelled remaining tour dates that were planned at the time, and no further updates on the band have been provided.

In October 2017, Alice published a statement claiming that she suffered sexual, emotional, physical and mental abuse from Ethan from when she first began recording with him at the age of 15. Ethan publicly denied the allegations and sued her for defamation, but the suit was dismissed in 2018. The band cancelled remaining tour dates that were planned at the time, and no further updates on the band have been provided since.

On October 8, 2014, Glass announced her departure from Crystal Castles, later embarking on a solo career the following year. The language exchanged between her and Kath afterwards implied a less-than-amicable split. On April 16, 2015, Kath released a new song under the Crystal Castles name titled [[http://pitchfork.com/news/59294-crystal-castles-arent-dead-return-with-frail/ "Frail"]] with vocals done by a new singer named Edith Frances, who would then become Alice's replacement. This pairing would release a new album, ''Amnesty (I)'', in August 2016; although they announced they were working on an ''Amnesty (II)'' nine months later, the band has not released any music since.

In October 2017, Alice Glass published a statement claiming that she suffered sexual, emotional, physical and mental abuse from Kath from when she first began recording with him at the age of 15. Kath publicly denied the allegations, but the band cancelled remaining tour dates that were planned at the time, and no further updates on the band have been provided since.

* NightmareFetishist: CC's lyrics constantly reference sexually transmitted diseases, abortions, injury, mutilation, and corruption of innocence. They said in an interview before that they wanted to make an album that would "simultaneously make everyone vomit at once" but they seriously take it UpToEleven.

Crystal Castles is an electronica band with a dark aesthetic and a unique sound that started out as {{synthpop}} with heavy chiptune and electropunk influences before transitioning into more futuristic and industrial territory, although this later sound would become most synonymous with the genre of witch house.

Started in the mid-2000s by singer Alice Glass and songwriter/producer Ethan Kath, the band began gaining traction off the success of their song "Alice Practice" both through [=MySpace=] and a sizable ColbertBump following the band performing the song in an episode of ''Series/{{Skins}}''.[[note]]While the details are spotty, [[CommonKnowledge the general origin story often shared alongside the song]] is that it was a soundcheck/proof of concept that was never meant to be released, in some versions recorded in secret by their engineer. However, Alice publicly denied this following her departure from the band, claiming that [[HarsherInHindsight Ethan had deliberately fabricated the story to minimize her input]].[[/note]] From there, they grew a reputation for their [[WalkingDisasterArea extremely chaotic]] live shows, the consistent [[BrokenBase divisive responses]] to their work, and the enduring passion of their fanbase. Their influences around this time included [[NightmareFuel murder, blank looks on girls, and knives]].

On October 8th, 2014, Glass announced her departure from the group, later embarking on a solo career the following year. The language exchanged between her and Kath afterwards implied a less-than-amicable split [[HarsherInHindsight made even grimmer]] by the fact that in October 2017, Glass publicly claimed that she suffered sexual, emotional and mental abuse from Kath from when she first began recording with him at the age of 15. Kath has staunchly denied any allegations against him.

On April 16th, 2015, Kath released a new song under the CC name called [[http://pitchfork.com/news/59294-crystal-castles-arent-dead-return-with-frail/ "Frail"]] with vocals done by a new singer named Edith Frances, who would then become Alice's replacement. This pairing would release a new album, ''Amnesty (I)'', in August 2016; although they later confirmed that an ''Amnesty (II)'' was in the works, no other info regarding any new music from the band has surfaced since.

** "Not in Love (ft. [[Music/TheCure Robert Smith]])"

Crystal Castles is an electronica band with a dark aesthetic and a [[NeoclassicalPunkZydecoRockabilly unique sound]] that started out as {{synthpop}} with heavy chiptune and electropunk influences before transitioning into more futuristic and industrial territory, although this later sound would become most synonymous with the genre of witch house.

* YouGottaHaveBlueHair: Recently, Alice has decided to dye her hair a light shade of purple.

* MulticoloredHair: Alice Glass is a natural blonde. Formerly black, her hair now cycles through pastel colors.
-->"I’m a natural blonde, but that '[[EveryoneLovesBlondes blonde hair, big tits]]' idea of what men want, it’s now [[DeadHorseTrope really unfeminine]]."

Crystal Castles is an electronica band with a dark aesthetic and a [[NeoclassicalPunkZydecoRockabilly unique sound]] that started out as a mix of chiptune, electropunk and synthpop before transitioning into witch house.

On October 8th, 2014, Glass announced her departure from the group, later embarking on a solo career the following year. The language exchanged between the two afterwards implied a less-than-amicable split [[HarsherInHindsight made even grimmer]] by the fact that in October 2017, Glass publicly claimed that she suffered sexual, emotional, and mental abuse from Kath from when she first began recording with him at the age of 15. Kath has staunchly denied any allegations against him.

On April 16th, 2015, Kath released a new song under the CC name called [[http://pitchfork.com/news/59294-crystal-castles-arent-dead-return-with-frail/ "Frail"]] with vocals done by a new singer named Edith Frances, who would then become Alice's replacement.

Started in the mid-2000s by singer Alice Glass and songwriter/producer Ethan Kath, the band began gaining traction after the success of their song "Alice Practice" through [=MySpace=] and a ColbertBump courtesy of the band performing the song in an episode of ''Series/{{Skins}}''.[[note]]While the details are spotty, [[CommonKnowledge the general origin story often shared alongside the song]] is that it was a soundcheck/proof of concept that was never meant to be released, in some versions secretly recorded by their engineer. However, Alice publicly denied this following her departure from the band, claiming that [[HarsherInHindsight Ethan had deliberately fabricated the story to minimize her input]].[[/note]] From there, they grew a reputation for their [[WalkingDisasterArea extremely chaotic]] live shows, the consistent [[BrokenBase divisive responses]] to their work, and the enduring passion of their fanbase. Their influences around this time included [[NightmareFuel murder, blank looks on girls, and knives]].

On October 8th, 2014, Glass announced her departure from the group, later embarking on a solo career the following year. The language exchanged between the two afterwards implied a less-than-amicable split [[HarsherInHindsight made even grimmer]] by the fact that in October 2017, Glass publicly claimed that she suffered sexual, emotional, and mental abuse from Kath from when she first began recording with him, at the age of 15. Kath has staunchly denied any allegations against him.

* DownerEnding: The debut album ends with "Tell Me What to Swallow", an acoustic song from the perspective of the victim in an abusive relationship [[TearJerker who chooses to stay]].

Crystal Castles is an electronica band with a sound that [[NeoclassicalPunkZydecoRockabilly mixes]] chiptune, electropunk, synthpop, and witch house. The band was started in the mid-2000s and began gaining traction after the online success of their song "Alice Practice" (initially made as a soundcheck/proof-of-concept).

The band was initially made up of singer Alice Glass and songwriter/producer Ethan Kath before Glass announced her departure from the group on October 8th, 2014, embarking on a solo career.

The language exchanged between the two around this time implied a less-than-amicable split [[HarsherInHindsight made even grimmer]] by the fact that in October 2017, Glass publicly claimed that she suffered sexual, emotional, and mental abuse from Kath. Kath has staunchly denied any allegations against him.

They cause [[WalkingDisasterArea quite a bit of ruckus]] with their live shows, and often make good use of strobe lights and whatever unfortunate soul is working security. With anything they do, the reaction [[BrokenBase is always divisive]], though their fanbase cherishes them lovingly. Their influences include [[NightmareFuel murder, blank looks on girls, and knives]].

They were the subject of some controversy when they were accused of violating Creative Commons licenses, by stealing artwork and samples from other artists, specifically a drum sample by Lo-Bat which featured on ''Insectica'' and the usage of a [[http://ohkrapp.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/madonna-crystal-castles.jpg black-eyed Madonna]] as an album cover. These issues were seemingly resolved when they retitled ''Insectica'' to 'Crystal Castles vs Lo-Bat', and it soon became apparent that the artist who created the Music/{{Madonna}} image was prolonging hostilities as he was benefiting from the exposure -- Crystal Castles tried to pay him for the image but he refused to provide them with the necessary details.

They have released four studio albums thus far. They have also released nine singles: "Crimewave (Crystal Castles vs. Music/{{HEALTH}})," "Air War," "Vanished," "Courtship Dating," "Celestica," "Baptism," "Not in Love (ft. [[Music/TheCure Robert Smith]])," "Wrath of God," and "Plague".

They were unrelated to the Creator/{{Atari}} UsefulNotes/ArcadeGame.

!!Discography:

* AffectionateNickname: Alice addresses her bandmate as Ethan Catheter, because he's "the most uncomfortable thing in the world."

* FilmTheHand: Kath is routinely photographed wearing hoodies which obscure some or all of his face. Alice picked up on this habit, and will now cover her face with her sleeve/collar/beer/whatever's handy, even when posing with fans.

* LyricalDissonance: Their bouncy, [[CallAndResponseSong call-and-response]] single "Courtship Dating" is about ''human taxidermy''.
** Crystal Castles' music in general tend to fit under this. A lot of it sounds fairly upbeat and danceable, but the lyrics on the other hand... but a lot of time it's hard to make out what Alice is even saying anyway due to the delibrate audio distortion.

They have released four studio albums thus far. They have also released nine singles: "Crimewave (Crystal Castles vs. HEALTH)," "Air War," "Vanished," "Courtship Dating," "Celestica," "Baptism," "Not in Love (ft. [[Music/TheCure Robert Smith]])," "Wrath of God," and "Plague".

The band was initially made up of singer Alice Glass and songwriter/producer Ethan Kath before Glass announced her departure from the group on October 8th, 2014[[note]]Alice has since made [[FlipFlopOfGod contradictory statements]] about how Ethan either stifled her input, or stating that she wrote all the lyrics.[[/note]], embarking on a solo career.

* IAintGotTimeToBleed [=/=] MadeOfIron: Alice cannot be killed by conventional weapons. She's been kicked in the head by riot police, mobbed in Spain, broken her ankle onstage and performed five months' worth of shows on crutches. Actually, considering their live shows, it's amazing she doesn't get injured more often. AndNowYouKnow why Ethan stays in the back.

The language exchanged between the two around this time implied a less-than-amicable split [[HarsherInHindsight made even grimmer]] by the fact that in October 2017, Glass publicly claimed that she suffered sexual, emotional, and mental abuse from Kath. While he staunchly denied these allegations and sued her for defamation, his case was eventually dismissed.

* EclipsedByTheRemix: Their remix of HEALTH's "Crimewave" was infinitely more popular than the original.

* CarefulWithThatAxe: "Doe Deer"

* DownerEnding: The debut album ends with "Tell Me What to Swallow", an acoustic song from the perspective the victim in an abusive relationship [[TearJerker who chooses to stay]].

* ImprobableWeaponUser: And then there was the time Alice clobbered a fan with a microphone. The reason is a mystery, but it probably had to do with shows like [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaIN0fpnrJc this.]]

The band was initially made up of singer Alice Glass and songwriter/producer Ethan Kath before Glass announced her departure from the group on October 8th, 2014.[[note]]Alice has since fired back, making [[FlipFlopOfGod contradictory statements]] about how Ethan either stifled her input, or stating that she wrote all the lyrics.[[/note]] Whether or not the split was amicable is still up for debate, but there is nevertheless considerable strain in their relationship. In October 2017, Alice publicly claimed that she suffered sexual, emotional, and mental abuse from Ethan, who staunchly denied these allegations and reportedly began plans of filing a lawsuit for defamation.

On April 16th, 2015, Ethan Kath released a new song under the CC name called [[http://pitchfork.com/news/59294-crystal-castles-arent-dead-return-with-frail/ "Frail"]] with vocals done by a new singer named Edith Frances, who would then become Alice's replacement.

** "Untrust Us" has a repeated line in Spanish, "la cocaína no es buena para su salud", meaning "[[DrugsAreBad cocaine is not good for your health"]].
** The lyrics for "Year of Silence" are all in Icelandic and are sampled from a song by Music/SigurRos.
* IAintGotTimeToBleed: Alice cannot be killed by conventional weapons. She's been kicked in the head by riot police, mobbed in Spain, broken her ankle onstage and performed five months' worth of shows on crutches. Actually, considering their live shows, it's amazing she doesn't get injured more often. AndNowYouKnow why Ethan stays in the back.

* {{Hello}}: "Alice Practice" opens with the eponymous singer saying, "Hi!♥".

They cause [[WalkingDisasterArea quite a bit of ruckus]] with their live shows, and often make good use of strobe lights and whatever unfortunate soul is working security. With anything they do, [[LoveItOrHateIt the reaction]] [[BrokenBase is always divisive]], though their fanbase cherishes them lovingly. Their influences include [[NightmareFuel murder, blank looks on girls, and knives]].

The band was initially made up of singer Alice Glass and songwriter/producer Ethan Kath before Glass announced her departure from the group on October 8th, 2014.[[note]]Alice has since fired back, making [[FlipFlopOfGod contradictory statements]] about how Ethan either stifled her input, or stating that she wrote all the lyrics.[[/note]] On April 16th, 2015, Ethan Kath released a new song under the CC name called [[http://pitchfork.com/news/59294-crystal-castles-arent-dead-return-with-frail/ "Frail"]] with vocals done by a new singer named Edith Frances.

They were the subject of some controversy when they were accused of violating Creative Commons licenses, by stealing artwork and samples from other artists. Specifically, a drum sample by Lo-Bat which featured on ''Insectica'' and the usage of a [[http://ohkrapp.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/madonna-crystal-castles.jpg black-eyed Madonna]] as an album cover.

These issues were seemingly resolved when they retitled ''Insectica'' to 'Crystal Castles vs Lo-Bat', and it soon became apparent that the artist who created the Music/{{Madonna}} image was prolonging hostilities as he was benefiting from the exposure -- Crystal Castles tried to pay him for the image but he refused to provide them with the necessary details.

!![=Crimetropes=]:

* IAmTheBand: Alice's star is on the rise. Ethan, not so much. He's had no compunctions about venting his ange r over her departure through Twitter.

* OneWomanWail: "Tell Me What to Swallow"

* MulticoloredHair : Alice Glass is a natural blonde. Formerly black, her hair now cycles through pastel colors.

They were unrelated to the {{Atari}} UsefulNotes/ArcadeGame.

** The lyrics for "Year of Silence" are all in Icelandic and are sampled from a song by Music/SigorRos.