Crystal Stilts

Critics and bloggers have saddled Crystal Stilts with the same retro-dream pop tag as fellow New Yorkers the Vivian Girls, the Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Cause Co-Motion! and School of Seven Bells. But while all these groups crib from the Jesus and Mary Chain in one way or another, Crystal Stilts are the only ones interested in channeling the Reid brothers' on-the-nod detachment and hazy alienation. This isn't chirpy noise pop for young indie lovers quaking with anxiety; it's the sound of heavily medicated city rats who can wear shades at night without looking like total dorks. In keeping with its morose image, there's a dearth of hard biographical data regarding this cool little band. Apparently, Crystal Stilts were "discovered" by Hamish Kilgour of the Clean, a legendary post-punk band from New Zealand that helped create the reverb-soaked sound these New Yorkers emulate. After releasing several now hard-to-find singles and EPs, Crystal Stilts signed to Slumberland Records (also home to the Pains of Being Pure at Heart and Cause Co-Motion!) and released their debut album, Alight of Night. Shortly thereafter drummer Frankie Rose ditched the Vivian Girls and joined the fray.