Cave Rave is the second studio album by English/Spanish electronic music band Crystal Fighters, released on 24 May 2013 on their label, Zirkulo. The album consists of a mix of genres from Basque folk to straight electronic and dubstep. It was preceded by the official release of the single "You & I" as well as the airing and/or online streaming of the first four tracks
Development The album was recorded in Los Angeles. It was produced by Justin Meldal-Johnson, and mixed by Manny Marroquin in LA.
Artwork The album artwork was created for the band by artist Paul Laffoley, and was unveiled on Jay-Z's Life + Times website on 18 February 2013.
Release The band released a preview clip of "Wave" on 6 February 2013. On 18 February, they announced the release of Cave Rave, a larger tour in Europe and a tour across North America, and posted the song Separator on YouTube. The official video for "Separator" was posted on YouTube on 8 April. The official video for "You & I" was posted on YouTube on 23 April. The track "LA Calling" was streamed on the official Crystal Fighters website on 14 May.
"You & I" is the album's official lead single. The song was debuted on BBC Radio 1's Zane Lowe show as the "Hottest Record in the World". Subsequently, it has been added to BBC Radio 1's playlist and 3FM in the Netherlands' playlist as MEGAHIT. The video was directed by Elliot Sellers and was premiered on Vice Noisey. Sunless 97 remix was premiered on FADER (magazine), and Gigamesh remix was premiered on Vibe Magazine.
On 14 May 2013 The Guardian announced Crystal Fighters plans to hold a 'Cave Rave' in the heart of the Basque countryside on 29 August 2013.
"LA Calling" was the second single to be aired from the Cave Rave album. The Guardian published a link to "LA Calling" on 13 May 2013.
"You & I" was added to BBC Radio 1's B List on 5 June 2013.
“Love Natural” features in the video game FIFA 14.
Composition On 9 May 2013, on This Is Fake DIY, lead singer Sebastian Pringle gave a track-by-track guide to the album .
Critical reception
The album was positively received by critics. upon release. The Times newspaper called the album "overwhelmingly infectious" in a 4/5 review; The Line of Best Fit awarded the album 8.5/10 and called it "a delirious pleasure"; The 405 website said it "a perfect companion for sizzling meat and endless sunsets"; Aesthetica called it "a collection of enlightening anthems that will inspire listeners to keep dancing all night"; The Big Issue said the album is "like an upbeat Arcade Fire"; Huffington Post said the album is "bursting with so much life and euphoria." The Evening Standard described the album as "...abound of a deep love of Basque culture and the occasional splash of tequila. Take this CD on holiday, or, even better, see them live."
Track listing
Personnel Credits for Crystal Fighters adapted from liner notes.
Crystal Fighters Crystal Fighters – additional production Sebastian Pringle – vocals, acoustic guitar, backing vocals, bass guitar, charango, classical guitar, electric guitar, kalimba, keyboards, percussion, programming, txalaparta, txistu, ukulele Gilbert Vierich – vocals, acoustic guitar, backing vocals, bass guitar, charango, classical guitar, electric guitar, kalimba, keyboards, percussion, programming, txalaparta, txistu, ukulele Graham Dickson – vocals, acoustic guitar, backing vocals, bass guitar, charango, classical guitar, electric guitar, kalimba, keyboards, percussion, programming, txalaparta, txistu, ukulele Andrea Marongiu – drums, percussion Eleanor Fletcher – backing vocals
Additional personnel
Todd Burke – engineering Kristian Donaldson – engineering Chris Gehringer – mastering Tim Green – design Lauren Johnson – backing vocals Paul Laffoley – album cover Manny Marroquin – mixing Andrew McDonnell – engineering Justin Meldal-Johnsen – bass guitar, electric guitar, engineering, keyboards, percussion, production, programming
Nila Raja – backing vocals Shaun Savage – engineering Mike Schuppan – engineering Chris Testa – engineering Holly Walker – backing vocals Patrick Warren – piano Lionel Williams – inside cover Hugh Worskett – pre-production Sigrid Zeiner-Gundersen – backing vocals Luzmira Zerpa – backing vocals
Charts Chart (2013)PeakpositionAustralian Hitseekers Albums Chart9Austrian Albums Chart60Belgian Albums Chart (Flanders)76Belgian Albums Chart (Wallonia)122Dutch Albums Chart61Spanish Albums Chart86Swiss Albums Chart77UK Albums Chart87UK Indie Albums Chart20US Top Heatseekers Albums27
Release history RegionDateLabelAustralia24 May 2013[PIAS] AustraliaGermanyDifferent RecordingsUnited Kingdom27 May 2013ZirkuloUnited States28 May 2013Atlantic Records
Cave Rave event On Tuesday 14 May 2013 The Guardian announced Crystal Fighters plans to hold a "cave rave" in the heart of the Basque countryside on 29 August 2013.
The Cave Rave event took place on Thursday 29 August at Zugarramurdi cave outside San Sebastian, deep within the band's spiritual home of the Basque countryside. New wavers Belako and party-starting six piece Wilhelm & The Dancing Animals opened the show and warmed up the crowd before Crystal Fighters took to the stage. The show was sold out and the review were all extremely positive with coverages on the Rolling Stone, El Pais and many other relevant blogs online.
References