If you don't know Crystal Fighters, you damn well should. Originating from London by way of Spain (specifically the Basque region), they are known for exemplary live shows and progressive, artistic sets. Last year, they released a relatively successful debut album,
Star Of Love, featuring tracks like "I Love London" and "In The Summer." Much of this year has been quiet on the Crystal Fighters front (besides a few remixes here and there) until they released a new single and remixes set called "Champion Sound."
Crystal Fighters' sound is interesting because of all the different influences found in their compositions. Not only do they incorporate traditional Basque instruments like the txalaparta, but facets of dance, electronic, punk, and traditional Basque musical styles can all be heard in their music. It might sound like a weird combination, but it seriously works.
"Champion Sound" is an incredibly uplifting track; if you've been to Spain, it's as if you can close your eyes and be eating a sumptuous orange on the streets of Sevilla. Lead singer Sebastian Pringle's vocal aesthetic weaves perfectly with the chanting underlings in the background and flamenco-ish guitar.
"Champion Sound" is available to stream in it's original form and acoustically on their
SoundCloud, plus about 5 different remixes for free download.
In need of more Crystal Fighters already?
Peep this remix of "In The Summer," one of my most favorite interpretations from 2010.