Crystal Castles

Crystal Castles (II) is the second studio album by Canadian electronic duo Crystal Castles, released on May 24, 2010. The album marked a significant evolution in the band's sound while maintaining their signature experimental approach to electronic music.

The album was recorded by Ethan Kath in a variety of unconventional locations including an abandoned church in Iceland, a self-built cabin in northern Ontario, a garage behind an abandoned drug store in Detroit, as well as Paul Epworth's London studio. The recording process was notably challenging, with Kath stating, I recorded most of the record in the coldest winter in decades in a church without heat in Iceland. It was so cold that when I listen back I can hear myself shivering. I chose it because it felt right.

The creative process involved Kath giving vocalist Alice Glass a CD-R containing 70 instrumental tracks in December 2009, for which she then recorded vocals on 35 tracks. This method allowed for a more collaborative approach while maintaining the duo's unpredictable aesthetic.

Musically, the album showcased a more refined and atmospheric sound compared to their debut, incorporating samples from artists like Sigur Rós and Stina Nordenstam. Notable tracks include Celestica, the album's ethereal opening single, and Not in Love, which was later reissued featuring guest vocals from Robert Smith of The Cure, becoming the band's highest-charting single.

The album received generally positive reviews from music critics, with Metacritic giving it an average score of 77 based on 24 reviews. Pitchfork rated the album 8.5 out of 10 and awarded it their Best New Music accolade. Critics praised the band for creating what was described as a dense-yet-airy thicket of pure pop transcendence and a bold, dramatic, more than a little screwed-up and stunningly exciting statement.

The album performed well commercially, reaching number 48 on the UK Albums Chart and number 188 on the US Billboard 200, and was longlisted for the 2010 Polaris Music Prize. It appeared on numerous year-end best album lists and has been recognized as one of the best albums of the 2010-2014 period.