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The Story
L.A.'s Crystal Method have been referred to as America's answer to the Chemical Brothers. A dance-based electronic duo with a definite rock band feel, the comparison would seem appropriate, although it tends to erase what makes the group distinct: a solid base in American hip-hop, rock, soul, and pop. Formed in 1993 by Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland, Crystal Method is the most recent stop in a string of projects that led them from their native Las Vegas (and some forgettable 4-track stabs at vocal house music), to the early-'90s L.A. rave scene. Drawn in by its youthful idealism, Jordan and Kirkland became absorbed by L.A.'s underground club culture and began knocking out tracks inspired by their experiences. On the strength of one of their demos, Crystal Method signed to Steve Melrose and Justin King's City of Angels imprint in 1994, and their debut single, "Keep Hope Alive," appeared soon after. The title was in reference to L.A.'s waning rave scene (burdened by constant police pressure and a string of random violent incidents) and became something of an anthem due to the endless barrage of remixes and alternate versions that appeared. The pair's demand to be taken seriously as a band (as opposed to the enforced anonymity of most techno acts, and something of a new concept for American dance producers) extended to incessant live performances, and Crystal Method's increasing popularity both in the clubs and among radio jocks led to a deal with Geffen affiliate Outpost Recordings in 1996. The group's debut LP, Vegas -- an unabashed party record bathed in acid, funk, rock, and big-beat hip-hop -- appeared in mid-1997.
Sean Cooper, All-MusicGuide
The bright, neon lights of Las Vegas can be heard within the rumbling breakbeats and metal-edged synth melodies of the electro duo known as the Crystal Method. Together Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland steer their custom vehicle of electronic music into riffs of futuristic rock 'n' roll. Taking the elements associated with the U.K.'s big beat generation, the Crystal Method enhances this style of stomping funk with a pinch of American spice. Those bright lights of America's modern-day adult playland would seem to inspire anyone to become something loud and colorful. That influence reflects the early ambitions of Jordan and Kirkland and their endeavors to make mind-bending music. The two met while working for a college radio station in Las Vegas where Run DMC, New Order and Depeche Mode were mainstays of the regular rotation. The duo became interested in music production and recorded some lo-fi demos on a four track with a female lead vocal. Figuring he could find a faster way to the top in Los Angeles, Jordan left for the City of Angels, where he landed a job as an assistant producer for artists Edie Brickell and Michael Penn. There he found the necessary studio experience he needed and the necessary nightlife experience he needed; L.A.'s underground scene exposed him to the flavor of West Coast nightclubs and the freaky funk being tossed about by rave DJs. Meanwhile back in Las Vegas, Kirkland began taking guitar lessons from Mark Slaughter of the metal band Slaughter, learning power bar chords and the philosophy of establishing a listener-friendly hook. Keeping in touch with Jordan, Kirkland fed off of what his friend had been telling him about the psychedelia of L.A.'s club scene and went to check it out for himself. There and then the Crystal Method was born.The bombastic grooves of Vegas, the group's first full-length release has been likened to the Chemical Brothers' brand of breakbeat mayhem. Yet the Crystal Method madness is cut from a more acidic quilt, where synthesizers squelch and sirens buzz and the vibe is all about crowd-pleasing intensity. Highlighted by the tracks "Trip Like I Do," a different version from that of the collaboration with Filter for the Spawn soundtrack, and "Keep Hope Alive," a Chemical Brothers essential big beat favorite, the album manages to capture the same raw power of rock 'n' roll with electronic components.
Lana Fanelli, Rolling Stone
Perhaps it's unfair to label Crystal Method as an American Chemical Brothers, since they are contemporaries of, not successors to, the English duo, but the comparison makes sense. Like the Chemicals, Crystal Method is into big beats. There isn't much subtlety to their music, but there doesn't need to be, since their heady fusion of classic, late-'80s hip-hop, rave, techno and rock is intoxicating on its own. Vegas, the duo's debut album, rushes by in a quasi-psychedelic blur, occasionally stopping for ambient detours. There aren't any revelations along the way, but Crystal Method does this crossover techno well, which makes Vegas a pleasure.
Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All-Music Guide
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