Crystal Fighters
| Company type | Music ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom and Spain |
| Products | Music albums, singles, EPs |
Crystal Fighters is a British-Spanish electronic music ensemble established in 2007. Their first studio album, Star of Love, debuted in the United Kingdom in October 2010 and was later released in the United States via Atlantic Records in April 2012. The follow-up album, Cave Rave, was issued on 27 May 2013, succeeded by their third release, Everything Is My Family, on 21 October 2016. Their fourth record, Gaia & Friends, arrived on 1 March 2019. Their most recent project, LIGHT+, was launched on 3 November 2023.
Origins and initial phase
The lineup of Crystal Fighters includes Sebastian Pringle (lead vocals, guitar), Gilbert Vierich (electronics, guitars, txalaparta, percussion), Graham Dickson (guitar/txalaparta), along with vocalists Laure Stockley and Mimi Borrelli.
Before forming the current group, Pringle, Vierich, and Dickson collaborated under different band names until Stockley and Borrelli joined. Andrea Marongiu became their drummer in September 2010.
The band’s name was inspired by an incomplete opera written by Stockley’s grandfather during his last days in the Basque region. Upon discovering this manuscript, the members decided to adopt its title for their band and aimed to embody the opera’s imaginative and untamed essence. Their musical direction grew from this source material, blending Basque cultural heritage and history to create performances that extended the opera's narrative while highlighting traditional Basque sounds.
Musical approach and instrumentation
They characterize their music as energetic, hypnotic, and fervent, utilizing a mix of electric and acoustic guitars, synthesizers, drums, alongside traditional Basque instruments. The txalaparta, a wooden percussion instrument played by two individuals resembling a xylophone, features prominently in many tracks together with the danbolin (a rope-tuned snare drum) and the txistu (a Basque pipe whistle).
Their signature sound merges high-tempo progressive dance rhythms with Basque folk tunes and dances, enriched by synthesizers, bass-heavy wonk-funk elements, and beats inspired by early 1980s Spanish punk and experimental electronic acts such as Aviador Dro and Las Vulpes. Basque musical traditions heavily influence their compositions; for instance, the main riff in "Champion Sound" originates from the folk dance "Sagar Dantza," while "In The Summer" is drawn from Navarra’s Carnival of Lantz music. Paul Lester of The Guardian described their style as akin to transporting recording gear back a century into a secluded Basque village where locals steeped in folk traditions create music freely.
Their diverse inspirations result in a distinctive fusion genre that combines folk, electronic, punk, techno, dubstep, and Spanish pop elements. The band compares their sound to an imagined collaboration involving The Velvet Underground, The Gipsy Kings, Skream, Madlib, and Luciano set against the backdrop of the 1980s Pyrenees.
NME recognized Crystal Fighters as one of the most compelling emerging acts offering an authentically innovative sound. Virgin Music praised their work as fitting for "the trans-continental, scene-crossing, cultural explorer."
With their sophomore album Cave Rave, they broadened their instrumental range by adding traditional instruments like the charango and integrating Hispanic and African dance rhythms alongside Mexican electronic influences. The Line of Best Fit emphasized the Latin vibe present in "No Man" and tribal percussion elements found in "LA Calling." Consequence of Sound commended the group’s adeptness at blending traditional Spanish music with accessible dance-oriented beats.
Kitsuné era
In 2008, the track "I Love London" gained exposure through the music platform Palms Out Sounds, bringing attention to the band's distinctive style. This momentum led to the release of two singles under the Kitsuné label in 2009. Upon receiving the song "Xtatic Truth," Kitsuné quickly showed enthusiasm, including it alongside "I Love London" on their compilation album. The latter track was later ranked number 91 in Mixmag’s top songs of 2008.
During 2009, the band produced a video for "Robot Restroom" with directors Tom Neville and Henry Benett; however, the video was never officially published.
Selected as Spain's representatives for Diesel U Music, the band launched MySpace Music in the UK and secured the eighth position in New Band Day’s 'Best New Bands 2010' Awards.
2010–2012: Star of Love and "Love Is All I Got"
Crystal Fighters released their debut album, Star of Love, on 4 October 2010 in the UK through their own label Zirkulo. The European distribution was handled by PIAS Entertainment Group, while Liberator Music managed Australia, and Atlantic Records released it in the United States in April 2012.
Critics responded positively: BBC described it as an "assured and occasionally exhilarating debut," Artrocker commended the band's exceptional talent, Mojo awarded it 4 out of 5 stars praising its "exhilarating carnival vibe," and The Fly highlighted its vibrant and delightfully chaotic nature. BBC’s Zane Lowe remarked that it stood out as more compelling than standard dance music.
Sebastian Pringle, the lead vocalist, detailed the meticulous production approach, emphasizing teamwork among members to maintain unity despite blending various musical styles. Lyrically, the album draws inspiration from writings by singer Stockley’s grandfather, delving into cosmic mysteries, embracing mortality, celebrating love’s power, and venerating the sun’s dominance. Each track subtly ties into these overarching themes.
In 2011, Crystal Fighters were featured in Channel 4’s documentary 4Play: Crystal Fighters and appeared on Channel 4’s music show Abbey Road Debuts.
Singles from Star of Love included "I Love London," "Xtatic Truth," and "In The Summer." The single "Plage" achieved gold certification in the Netherlands following its use in advertising campaigns. Additionally, their song "At Home" was added to BBC Radio 1’s playlist.
For the American release via Atlantic Records, they incorporated new tracks "Fiesta" and "Earth Island." In September 2012, they issued a worldwide collection titled Star of Love Remixes.
In October 2012, Crystal Fighters teamed up with Feed Me for "Love Is All I Got," a single released through Mau5trap and licensed by Sony Records. The track debuted as Zane Lowe’s Hottest Record on BBC Radio 1 and was selected as Fearne Cotton’s record of the week.
In a November 2012 interview, Pringle revealed that leftover material from their debut album sessions inspired this independent collaboration, which they adapt distinctively during live shows.
2013–2014: Cave Rave
The band’s sophomore album, Cave Rave, derives its title from prehistoric European cave paintings that document early creative expression. Recorded in Los Angeles, it was released on 27 May 2013. The Basque countryside—referred to by the band as their "spiritual home"—played a significant role in shaping the album’s sound, inspiring incorporation of exotic instruments from Africa and South America.
Promotion kicked off with an early preview of "Wave" in February 2013. This was followed by announcements of tours across Europe and North America and the release of "Separator" on YouTube. The album’s artwork, crafted by artist Paul Laffoley, premiered on Jay-Z’s Life + Times platform.
The lead single "You & I" premiered as BBC Radio 1's "Hottest Record in the World," gaining spots on BBC Radio 1 and Dutch station 3FM playlists. Its music video, directed by Elliot Sellers, debuted on Vice Noisey. In June 2013, Crystal Fighters performed both "You & I" and a rendition of Rudimental's "Waiting All Night" on BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge. Remixes by Sunless 97 and Gigamesh premiered on The Fader and Vibe, respectively. The album appeared in XFM’s list of the 50 Best Albums of 2013.
Further singles included "LA Calling" and "Love Natural," with the latter featured on the soundtrack for FIFA 14. Additionally, "LA Calling" received airtime on BBC Radio 1.
Produced by Justin Meldal-Johnson and mixed by Manny Marroquin in Los Angeles, Cave Rave embodies a fusion described as "a convergence of ancient and modern elements, human and robotic," reflecting the band’s blend of traditional instrumentation with contemporary electronic sounds.
2014–2015: Release of "Love Alight" and the Passing of Marongiu
The track "Love Alight," originally created during the sessions for Cave Rave, was issued as a single on 4 August 2014. It debuted on BBC Radio 1, receiving four plays within a single day, and its official music video was helmed by director Rob Heppell.
Guitarist and txalaparta player Graham Dickson established Axis Mundi Records, an independent label based in Brooklyn, which showcases artists including Is Tropical and Psymon Spine.
Tragically, on 11 September 2014, the group experienced a profound loss when their drummer Andrea Marongiu passed away due to heart failure.
2015–2016: Release of Everything Is My Family
In September 2016, Crystal Fighters unveiled "All Night," their first single after a two-year hiatus, which secured a spot on BBC Radio 1's B playlist. Alongside this release, they announced their third studio album, Everything Is My Family, scheduled for release on 21 October 2016. The follow-up single, "Good Girls," was launched on 13 October, with "Lay Low"—a tribute to the late Andrea Marongiu—released during the album’s launch week.
The album was distributed through their own imprint Zirkulo under license from Play It Again Sam, signifying a deliberate effort to retain greater control over their music distribution channels.
2018: Launch of "Boomin' In Ya Jeep" and the Hypnotic Sun EP
In May 2018, the single "Boomin' In Ya Jeep" was released via Warner Bros. Records, accompanied by a music video directed by Tyler Lee. Later that year, in November, they issued the EP Hypnotic Sun, which included tracks such as "Another Level," "Going Harder" featuring Bomba Estereo, and "All My Love." Notably, "Another Level" was featured on the soundtrack for Electronic Arts’ football video game FIFA 19.
2019: Release of Gaia & Friends
February 2019 saw the release of the single "Wild Ones," preceding the announcement of their album Gaia & Friends, which was officially released on 1 March. This record includes collaborations with artists like Bomba Estéreo, Petite Noir, and Soledad Veléz.
In 2021, Crystal Fighters ventured into digital collectibles by issuing three NFTs—reinterpretations of artwork linked to songs from Everything Is My Family, each paired with exclusive audio material.
Live performances
Crystal Fighters initially crafted their live shows as musical operas designed to vividly narrate each song’s story through performance art, aiming to elicit powerful emotional responses from audiences. Over time, their concerts evolved to focus more on visual spectacle and musical intensity, incorporating a live drummer and vocalist to boost stage energy.
Their electrifying stage presence has garnered praise from industry media: Mixmag described them as "the single most exciting show in dance music," while Dazed & Confused emphasized their unparalleled vitality. CMJ highlighted that the band’s distinctive sound resists easy classification and few live acts match their level of intensity.
By blending dance music with rock influences, Crystal Fighters offer a unique concert experience that stands apart from standard DJ performances. This innovative blend has established them as a prominent act on summer festival lineups, earning recognition from publications such as The Guardian, Artrocker, and Skiddle.
2008–2010
Between 2008 and 2010, Crystal Fighters delivered over 100 performances across 15 different countries. Their UK appearances included prominent festivals such as Glastonbury, Bestival, V Festival, Leeds Festival, Creamfields, Lovebox, Secret Garden Party, and the Isle of Wight Festival 2010. On the international stage, they participated in events like Hungary's Sziget Festival, Austin's SXSW, Australia's StereoSonic and Parklife, Germany's Eurosonic, C/O Pop, Hurricane Festival, and Southside Festival, Creamfields Spain, the Netherlands' Lowlands, Switzerland's Suprette, Sweden's Emmaboda, Ireland's Electric Picnic, Austria's Frequency, and Australia's Bergenfest. In November 2010, they supported Foals during their UK tour and earlier that October led their own headline tour across the UK.
2011–2012
In October 2011, Crystal Fighters embarked on a sold-out headline tour throughout the UK, followed by concert dates across Europe in November. March 2012 saw them perform multiple times at Austin’s renowned SXSW festival, preceding a US tour that included stops in Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and a sold-out show at New York’s Glasslands venue. They returned to North America in May 2012 for a series of performances alongside Is Tropical. Additionally, in November 2012, the band recorded a session for Daytrotter at Studio Paradiso in San Francisco, engineered by Shawn Biggs.
2013
Announcing tour dates for May 2013, Crystal Fighters planned shows throughout the UK, Europe, and North America, highlighted by a homecoming concert at London’s Brixton Academy in November. Their six European dates that May sold out ahead of time, followed by a North American tour supporting Portugal. The Man in June. Following their performance at Lisbon’s Optimus Alive festival, Gigwise hailed them as "the best festival band on the entire planet."
On 29 August 2013, the band organized a unique "cave rave" event inside the Zugarramurdi cave near San Sebastian in the Basque Country. Supported by Belako and Wilhelm & The Dancing Animals, this event was described by El País as an "extensive showcase of their two albums" featuring "cathartic moments of connection" for attendees.
They wrapped up their global 2013 tour with additional concerts across North America and Europe, including a sold-out Brixton Academy show on 22 November.
2014
Crystal Fighters commenced 2014 with a seven-date tour across Australia, performing at festivals such as Falls Festival, Field Day Festival, and Southbound Festival. In May, they returned to Spain for eight shows supported by Is Tropical before embarking on an international tour spanning North America, Europe, and South Africa.
The North American segment began on 23 May at the Sasquatch Festival and included appearances in El Paso, San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. This leg concluded with two concerts held in Guadalajara and Mexico City.
On 27 June, they appeared on the John Peel stage at Glastonbury; their full set was recorded and made available via BBC iPlayer. They also performed at Latitude Festival on 18 July.
The year ended with Crystal Fighters playing at Rome’s Atlantico Festival on 29 October.
2015
During the summer of 2015, Crystal Fighters performed at several prominent European festivals such as Festival Internacional de Benicàssim, Lollapalooza, Gurtenfestival, Super Bock Super Rock, Stuttgart Festival, and Santander Music Festival. Additionally, they served as headliners at both Somersault Festival and Dcode Festival.
2016
In January 2016, Crystal Fighters were announced as the main act for the Arenal Sound Festival held in Burriana, Spain. On 2 March, the band revealed plans for a North American tour spanning from April through March, which included performances at live venues and festivals like Coachella.
Between July and November 2016, the group undertook an international tour covering various global markets.
2017
Throughout 2017, Crystal Fighters toured extensively across the United States while headlining significant festivals throughout Europe and North America. Notable appearances included Pinkpop, Rock am Ring, Lollapalooza, and Rock Werchter.
2018
In 2018, their focus shifted primarily to festival appearances in Spain and Portugal, highlighted by a performance at MTV's World Stage event in Bilbao.
2019
The band launched a European tour in support of their album Gaia & Friends, with concerts across Spain, Portugal, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France. This tour culminated in a headline show at London's O2 Brixton Academy.
On 21 June, Crystal Fighters were the headline act for the May Ball at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.
On 25 July 2019, six years following the release of Cave Rave, Crystal Fighters organized Wave Rave—a one-day festival in Bermeo, Biscay. Co-hosted alongside Bay of Biscay festival, Wave Rave was dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability and awareness. The band collaborated with Wateraid and Raw Bottles to create limited-edition reusable stainless-steel water bottles and organic T-shirts, with part of the sales proceeds donated to Wateraid. The day after the festival, they participated with attendees in a beach cleanup event aimed at raising awareness about ocean conservation and plastic pollution.
Studio albums
- Star of Love (2010)
- Cave Rave (2013)
- Everything Is My Family (2016)
- Gaia & Friends (2019)
- LIGHT+ (2023)
External links
- Alternative dance musical groups
- English dance music groups
- Spanish dance music groups
- English electronic music groups
- Spanish electronic music groups
- English folk musical groups
- Spanish folk music groups
- Musical groups established in 2007
- English musical quintets
- Spanish musical quintets
- Electronic music groups from London
- Kitsuné Musique artists
- Folktronica musicians