Oh No Its Greg

Bright Night
Crystal Stilts

Best of 09: Albums of the Year

07. CRYSTAL STILTS - ALIGHT OF NIGHT

OK so technically this came out last year but it only got an official UK release in January of this year. In my opinion one of the most underappreciated albums of the past few years, Alight of Night wears its influences on its sleeve. Joy Division, The Cure, The Jesus & Mary Chain to name but three that I hear. But Crystal Stilts take these comparative bands and create something completely of their own accord. From the more surf-rock orientated ‘Crystal Stilts’ to the more brooding new-wave of ‘Departure’ the album is overflowing with quality tracks. Unfortunately the slower tracks dont pack the same punch as the likes of ‘SinKing’ or ‘Bright Night’ but they do work as comfortable padding between punches. Also Brad Hargett’s lyricism can verge on the preposterous at times but the execution is faultless and backed by THAT production, Alight of Night really does come alive. A hugely promising debut.