Crystal Antlers - Two-Way Mirror

Is it two faces or is it a vase? It all depends how you look. A similar puzzle could be used to analyze Crystal Antlers. Is it 60s psychedelic or is it modern indie rock? It all depends on how you listen. Through the approach of members Andrew King (guitar), Cora Foxx (keys), Kevin Stewart (drums), Damian Edward (percussion) and Johnny Bell’s vocals and bass, Crystal Antlers is able to take listeners through an auditory illusion, dipping their toes in and out of classic and modern pools, sometimes collectively and more often individually. In the end however, having gone through the ups and downs typical of a young, indie band, they have settled in and developed one, collective sound that should vault them to the top of the indie scene. And it is their sophomore effort, Two-Way Mirror, that should propel them there.

Right in your face, Antlers don’t waste any time introducing themselves. “Jules’ Story” is as bold an opener as you’d expect from a band who isn’t just releasing their second full-length album. Gritty and distorted throughout, there’s almost no time for thinking. Bell’s vocals border on death growl, but thankfully remain above. It’s right here that you hear it. It’s that complex mix of genres. It’s that confusion and yet infusion of two similar but also very different ages of music. And it’s pretty much that for the remainder of the 11-track album.

Following “Jules,” the three-four circus feel of “Séance” should really be accompanied by a dizzying, nonsensical video. Instead they opted to save that for “Summer Solstice,” which is perhaps the most upfront track, but that’s only saying so much. “By the Sawkill” and “Two-Way Mirror” are appropriate follow-ups, keeping with the indie and often punkish tone.

But enough of this thinking-you’ve-got-it-figured-out stuff. Here comes the second half, led by “Way Out,” which may as well be an unreleased track from Pink Floyd’s Ummagumma. It should also be noted it’s in this latter half where Foxx’s keys (mostly organ) really come out from the shadows and lead the Antlers on the rest of their trip, which remains a constant touch-and-go of musical accord.

As the last few tracks fade out, all of them short and fairly inexplicable, Two-Way Mirror leaves as baffling as it arrived. But one thing has been made clear: Two-Way Mirror is good. It’s really good. It’s the kind of album that doesn’t come around very often, and if it did, it would already be overdone. Unique, thought-provoking, frustrating and satisfying all at the same time. Crystal Antlers has uncovered something that was possible all along but no one knew it. And we should be grateful. But before we go, there’s just one thing left to ask…Is it a damn vase or not?!

Rating
Overall: 4/5
Originality: 5/5
Production: 4.5/5
Listenability: 3.5/5