
Crystal Antlers self-released their latest album Two-Way Mirror on their own Recreation Ltd. July 12, 2011. A lot of buzz surrounded this band with their s/t EP, but the reception was mixed for the follow up Tentacles, which bears the title of last Touch and Go release. Personally, I thought Tentacles was a solid record, even if the organ got a little cartoony at times. It took the band in a direction that deviated from their explosive Comets On Fire-esque psych freakouts and explored a different means of songwriting that utilized the sonic palette of psych rock to create some punk inspired indie rock songs. Featuring cover art by the legendary artist Raymond Pettibon, Two-Way Mirror finds the band picking up where they left off with Tentacles but retreating a bit to find a middle ground between that album and their EP. The band shows their range in the type of song they can create on Two-Way Mirror, which includes some slow-burning tracks alongside the druggy freakouts. Without a doubt, “Summer Solstice” is the highlight and cornerstone of this album, and the song demonstrates the fully-realized marriage of pysch and indie rock that the band has hinted at creating with such previous songs as “Andrew” and “Little Sister.” Nevertheless, Crystal Antlers shows that they have no intention of writing an album full of pop songs, and immediately follow up “Summer Solstice” with the aggressive and completely fried intro to “By the Sawmill.” Overall, Two-Way Mirror expands upon and solidifies their already unique sound to create another solid release by an underrated band. Have a listen to “Summer Solstice” below.
Crystal Antlers will be touring this Summer, mostly with Wu Lyf. The band’s songs are best heard live, so be sure to check them out if they’re coming to your town.
9/10 San Diego, CA – Bar Pink (w/ White Fence)
10/19 Riverside, CA – The Barn
Dates Below are with Wu Lyf:
11/6 Washington, DC – Rock N Roll Hotel
11/8 Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
11/10 Boston, MA – Middle East Downstairs
11/11 Montreal, QC – Il Motore
11/12 Toronto, ON – Legendary Horseshoe Tavern
11/14 Chicago, IL – Empty Bottle
11/15 Minneapolis, MN – 7th Street Entry
11/18 Vancouver, BC – Electric Owl
11/19 Seattle, WA – Crocodile Café
11/21 San Francisco, CA – The Independent
11/22 Los Angeles, CA – The Troubadour