Iggy's Album Review: Crystal Castles II

For those of you familiar with Crystal Castles, you know that their debut album contained a myriad of screamy, lo-fi, almost 8-bit sounding songs with a creepy aftertaste. Songs like Untrust Us and Crimewave somehow manage to give me the shivers but want to listen to them again. This album is fantastic, but what about their second?
In 2010 Alice and Ethan released Crystal Castles II, which has a completely different feel from the debut album. Each song has far more soothing, echoing layers than the blunt, loud noises they were known for originally. Not to say that this album is without Alice's screeching -- just listen to Doe Deer. But to me, this album just doesn't have the same appeal as their original. There are a few decent tracks, but overall I felt a little let down.

Rating: 6/10

Quality Tracks: Celestica, Baptism, Suffocation

Tim's Artist Profile: Tiesto

Tiësto, a Dutch DJ, began DJ'ing in clubs since he was 14 and his music career has taken off with multiple tours worldwide. He performs Trance, Progressive Trance, Neo-trance, House, Progressive House, Hardcore Techno.   Also, he was named "World’s No.1 DJ" three consecutive times by DJ Magazine from 2002 through 2004, which is extremely difficult to get once, let alone three times.

Here are two of my favorites by Tiesto, they are awesome to party to and simply great pump-up songs- Maximal Crazy (Radio Edit) and Tiesto vs Diplo-- C'Mon

Random Song!

Space Kitten by The Polish Ambassador. Check him out, he's really entertaining.

Random Song!

Comical, catchy dubstep. Internet Friends by Knife Party

Iggy's Artist Profile: Ratatat

For those of you who love electronic music but have an undying love for crazy catchy guitar riffs, Ratatat is for you. The music duo, founded in NYC ten years ago, has created a number of albums that include jamming guitars, hints of Indian influence and sounds, while maintaining a chill-out electro vibe. Ratatat is one of my top favorites.

Example Tracks: Loud Pipes, Seventeen Years, Black Heroes, Mumtaz Khan

Iggy's Artist Profile: Anamanaguchi

This chiptune rock band is not quite an entirely electronic artist, as they use guitars and drums in live performances, but is a necessity on the iPod of a 90's kid gamer. They use a NES and Game Boy to formulate their high speed, bubbly synth music that makes you feel like you're right in the middle of an 8-bit car chase. This group is definitely for hardcore gamers or Japanophiles, perfect for that specific audience. (And if you loved the Scott Pilgrim movie and video game--they made the latter's soundtrack!)
Example Tracks: Helix Nebula, Another Winter, My Skateboard Will Go On

Tim's Song Review - Nero "Innocence"

This is one of my favorite dubstep songs. Simple, pure, awesome drop, great to listen to in my car because of the stereo system and the bass. There's nothing fancy about this song, and it's quite repetitive, however I still enjoy listening to it. Good for driving or chilling out to, but definitely not a dance or party song.

Rating: 8/10