A direct comparison between Crystal Castles and Hercules & the Love Affair might not be the most apt. Yes, they both sort of fit into the genre of dance music, or perhaps music that the pfork set will feel slightly compelled to move along to. Also, they're both in Europe now, so that's something...Anyway, I listened to their new albums for the first time today so that's the way it's going to be. First impressions, I liked Crystal Castles (the album) better than H&LA (also the album.) H&LA is put together, refined, and within a proper musical structure. I don't mean this to sound pejorative, but it is certainly more conventional than Crystal Castles. Depending on a person's mood, this can definitely be a good thing. Chaotic spasms of electronic screeches might not be everyone's thing. However, listening to the albums back to back, I definitely found myself in a more anarchic mood.
Whereas nearly every instrument on H&LA sounds real, like a contemporary jazz album; the vocals are clear and
skillfully sung (despite any inherent distaste I hold for Antony Hegarty), Crystal Castles sounds like the soundtrack for a video game based on Daydream Nation - the singing mostly consists of Kim Gordon style yells and the synth has a tendency to go on for extended journeys away from the main beat. That said, both are excellent albums that I would definitely recommend, but consider your state of mind first. H&LA is order, Crystal Castles is anarchy. There's probably terminology within the electronic music community which I don't possess to more precisely describe what I'm trying to say. But both will make you want to dance anyway.
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