Review
"Amnesty (I)" marks a bold and haunting chapter for Crystal Castles, introducing Edith Frances as the new frontwoman after Alice Glass's departure. The album preserves the group's signature abrasive electronic sound—filled with distorted synths, menacing beats, and spectral vocals—yet it ventures into darker, more politically tinged territory. Tracks like "Concrete" and "Char" highlight the raw intensity and emotional strain that define much of the record. While some longtime fans may miss the chaotic energy of earlier works, "Amnesty (I)" stands as a compelling evolution, blending aggression with vulnerability in a dystopian sonic landscape. It's a turbulent, at times harrowing listen that cements Crystal Castles' ability to adapt and provoke.
Info
**Amnesty (I)** is the fourth and final studio album by Canadian electronic music duo Crystal Castles. It was released on August 19, 2016, in both the UK and the US. The album marked the debut of new vocalist Edith Frances, who replaced original member Alice Glass. Released under Fiction Records and Casablanca Records, Amnesty (I) features a darker, more politically charged tone compared to the band’s earlier work. The album was recorded in various locations, including a private studio in Warsaw, Poland. Ethan Kath, the group's co-founder and producer, solely produced the album. Amnesty (I) reached number 39 on the UK Albums Chart and peaked at number 133 on the US Billboard 200. Despite mixed critical reception, the album represented a new direction for the band in both sound and message.
Tracklisting
- Femen
- Fleece
- Char
- Enth
- Sadist
- Teach Her How To Hunt
- Chloroform
- Frail
- Concrete
- Ornament
- Their Kindness Is Charade