Somehow I overlooked the first couple of years of Fx3 as a transplant to Austin still elated and overwhelmed by the plethora of accessible live music available on the regular. But in 2009, I scored a cozy introduction manning a booth at the fest for a few hours one day in exchange for a weekend wristband. Why not, right? I had no idea what to expect and found myself pleasantly surprised by the laid back scene - not too crowded, manageable lines for beer/food, and a good mix of fans. I have since happily resigned any interest I once had in attending ACL for a yearly fling with Fun Fun Fun. And while I adore the excitement and unparalleled buzz SXSW generates, the intimacy of Fx3 has made it my favorite of Austin’s fests. more ›

Canadian electro-duo Crystal Castles brought their dance party through Austin last night at Stubb's. Photog Pooneh Ghana was there to capture the madness. more ›

When the Crystal Castles album Crystal Castles splashed onto the scene in a hail of 8-bit intensity back in 2008, no one knew quite what to make of its creators: geniuses of the new era, bratty children twiddling with video game technology, or just a couple blokes who got lucky with the right mix of enthusiasm and snarling post-post-post-punk anger. 2010 finds Crystal Castles releasing another album called Crystal Castles, but this time some of the mystery has been beaten out of them---their formula is simple, but it works: dour producer Ethan Kath throws together some itchy beats, precocious (petulant?) vocalist Alice Glass shout-sings along. But this isn't to undermine what the Toronto duo can do---when they're on, they are one of the most brilliantly adrenaline-pumping dance outfits in the world, and, on top of that, their live shows can be about as chaotic and sweat-drenched as they come. So get ready to dance. more ›

Crystal Castles are prepared to wake up Waterloo Park on what would be a humble Saturday evening albeit for Fun Fun Fun Fest 2009. Trance-like, thumping beats are a sure fire way to wrap up the evening after a long day of absorbing great music. The Canadian boy-girl duo brings a whole new meaning to the experimental electronic genre. Crystal Castles are currently supporting their self-titled debut album. more ›

Crystal Castles performed at La Zona Rosa last night, and Austinist contributing photographer Pooneh Ghana was there to catch all the action. more ›