CRYSTAL FIGHTERS

Taking their name from an unfinished opera written by band member Laure's deceased grandfather, Crystal Fighters juxtapose traditional Basque folk music with fiery synths, churning basslines and catchy energetic vocals. The band have caused quite a stir in recent months coming to the attention of many a London gig-goer, and French label Kitsune, who will release the band's debut single, 'Xtatic Truth' in May, as well as featuring it on Volume 7 of their popular compilation series.

You can find out what all the fuss is about when they play Twisted Licks at The Macbeth in London on 25 Apr alongside by Cats In Paris, Crystal Fighters, and Jagz Kooner. For more info on that go to www.leylinepromotions.com.

In the meantime, check out what three fifths of the band, Sebastian, Graham and Gilbert, had to say when they answered our Same Six Questions.

Q1 How did you start out making music?
We have all been playing in bands since we were kids, and then our friend showed us a book she had found while clearing out her deceased grandfather's house in the Basque country. He had started writing an opera called 'Crystal Fighters' during his last days of insanity but never had a chance to finish it. We got into the writings within this book, and since then Crystal Fighters, as a band, has been our sole focus.

Q2 What inspired your latest album?
We try to take as much as we can from traditional Basque music, whether it be a folk melody or percussive instrument and groove. Using this as a foundation, we then try to capture the London party vibe and combine the two.

Q3 How do you go about creating a track?
We usually start by jamming on a percussive theme, which a melody or chant will then evolve out of. We then add electronic elements to that idea, giving the original acoustic format more of a modern dance feel.

Q4 Which artists influence your work?
Most of our influence stems from traditional Basque standards, so it is actually pretty hard to put your finger on one artist or another. We also really like Spanish punk music from the eighties including Golpes Bajos, Eskorbuto and Sinistro Total.

Q5 What would you say to someone experiencing your music for the first time?
Dance.

Q6 What are your ambitions for your latest album, and for the future?
Our first single, 'Xtatic Truth', is being released on Kitsune in May, and our second, 'I Love London', is coming out around September. We will be playing as many gigs as possible this summer trying to spread the word. We are also writing an album which we hope to release early next year.

MORE>> http://www.myspace.com/crystalfighters