Edith Frances and Ethan Kath return for another high-voltage concert at *SCAPE
Lots of lights. So many flashing lights. I recall leaving *SCAPE’s Ground Theatre slightly dazed with stars in my eyes; an after-effect of being bombarded by flickering strobe lights set on manic mode. It was an intense visual barrage, no doubt, befitting a band that could match with equally outrageous and sense-shocking showmanship. Last night, that band was Crystal Castles.
This gig organised by Moonbeats Asia marks the Canadian synth-pop-slash-gothtronica outfit’s third appearance in Singapore, their second with new frontwoman, Edith Frances. Granted, there are still sceptics who stay devoted to the Alice Glass camp, believing that Frances will never match up to the former’s madcap antics (Glass frolicking on stage in 2011 with a broken leg and crutches remains one of the most bad*ss performances Singaporean punters have ever seen). Yet, Frances continually hushes the haters with no-holds-barred chutzpah of her own.
From prancing around like a demented, gothic pixie on opening song “Intimate”, to ‘baptising’ the crowd with water (yes, a lot of people got wet) on the aptly-titled “Baptism”; Frances is a face who triumphantly flies the Crystal Castles flag high. And while Frances portrayed her frenzied persona – complete with makeup and hair that Jared Leto’s Joker would approve – her partner-in-crime, Ethan Kath, was the silent, calm-mannered brooder who’d pump life into their synth-charged thumpers. Accompanied with a live drummer who added another level of energy to the dynamic, Kath suavely showcased the signature aesthetic of his brainchild, Crystal Castles, with electronic influences ranging from Nintendo-esque chiptune to hard-hitting techno.
While the band played for what felt like just an hour, it was a set stacked with plenty of Crystal Castles classics like 2008’s “Crimewave” and 2011’s “Celestica”. And despite the fact that the band’s not particularly known for sing-a-long lyrics – as vocals are usually filtered and processed beyond recognition – it didn’t stop the crowd from bellowing in unison to the pre-encore closer, “Not In Love”.
Naturally, that title didn’t reflect the mood of the punters at this comeback gig. Three shows in, and the foundation of Crystal Castles’ fanbase in Singapore seems as sturdy as ever.
Crystal Castles was brought down by gig promoters, Moonbeats Asia. Their next show will feature HONNE on 2 and 3 June.