Stream: The Crystal Method, ‘Emulator’ and ‘Over It’
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Even as “Vegas†continues to age beautifully after 15-plus years, the contributions of the Crystal Method as electro liaisons remain grossly under-appreciated, perhaps evidenced by the need to reintroduce with a self-titled album. We last heard from Scott Kirkland and Ken Jordan in 2009. The Grammy Award-nominated “Divided by Night†showcased their unique gift for matching unassuming vocalists with their own form-fitting, electro fury. Diverse voices including Meiko, Matisyahu, Jason Lytle, Emily Haines and Peter Hook were met with tracks that seemed lovingly tailored to their talents. Inspired vocal decisions aside, “Divided by Night†was memorable for its song structuring, a lost art in today’s electronic music landscape, with so many tracks taking on a more free-flowing DJ style. As early as “Vegas†Kirkland and Jordan embraced structure as a means to control their music’s volatility, implementing a recognizable chorus or a well-timed break when things got too heated, and never subjecting us to indulgent meanderings. Due late last spring, the Crystal Method’s self-titled follow up to “Divided by Night†became delayed when Scott Kirkland began experiencing headaches. The former Las Vegas DJ learned he needed to undergo brain surgery, a procedure that led to a painful infection, a 10-day ICU stay and, eventually, a lumbar spinal drain. The 11 tracks that comprise the LP are thoughtfully composed as always, but when heard months after Kirkland’s triumph over a genuinely scary health issue, the music sounds infinitely more purposeful. Opener “Emulator†sets a contentious tone with a less-than-polite greeting for adversaries armed with endless soft-synths and zero taste. Of the LP’s handful of stellar vocal collaborations, the beautiful LeAnn Rimes track “Grace†is an obvious standout. “Jupiter Shift† and “After Hours†are very tech-y and recall the duo’s early material, and our initial fascination with a truly unique brand of  dark but uplifting electronica. “The Crystal Method” is out Tuesday.
||| Stream: “Emulator” and “Over It”
||| Live: The Crystal Method – playing for the first time with a full live band – headlines the El Rey Theatre on Thursday.
Photo by Chapman Baehler
||| Watch: After the jump, watch the video for “Over It,” featuring Dia Frampton:
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