Crystal Fighters
‘Star Of Love’
(Zirkulo)

The debut from electro quartet Crystal Fighters is as plain loopy as you’d expect from a group named after their singer’s grandfather’s unfinished opera. The band’s multicultural background makes for a diverse album where Basque folk clashes with squelchy synths, resulting in a record that’s as high energy and delightfully messy as their now notorious live performances. While there’s no denying the bratty charm of dance-centric boomers like single ‘I Love London’, it’s actually when they refrain from completely pummelling you with techno that Crystal Fighters are especially impressive – ‘Champion Sound’ and ‘At Home’ show a mellower, more careful side that ensures ‘Star In Love’ is part CSS, part Crystal Castles, and all very, very good.

Molly Jones