(Angular Recording Co/Spunk)

Superb debut album from Brooklyn psych-rockers

Formed in 2003 by Brad Hargett and JB Townsend, Crystal Stilts are an intriguing Brooklyn act who blend psych-rock, rockabilly and more aloof indie influences to create a spooky and often stunning debut album, Alight Of Night. One of their gifts is the ability to take their influences, and add an interesting twist. For example, the echoey Prismatic Room has the group sounding a bit like Jesus And Mary Chain, except with ethereal twang and cheap ‘60s organ replacing feedback. Next track The Sinking sounds a bit like The Smiths, with dreamlike lo-fi echo replacing Morrissey/Marr’s immaculate arrangements. It’s the little things that make the difference on this record – the cavernous garage rock of Departure would be merely pleasant, but the simple addition of a ghostly flute refrain turns it into something more notable and otherworldly. The band’s garage rock and rockabilly roots are thus given a haunting and often unclassifiable quality, resulting in a truly unique and frequently wonderful record.

****

MATT THROWER