Crystal Vision (album)

Crystal Vision
Studio album by
Nathan Fake
Released7 April 2023 (2023-04-07)
GenreElectronic[1]
Length57:19
LabelCambria Instruments
ProducerNathan Fake
Nathan Fake chronology
Blizzards
(2020) 		Crystal Vision
(2023) 		Evaporator
(2026)
Singles from Crystal Vision
  1. "The Grass"
    Released: 22 February 2023[2]
  2. "Vimana"
    Released: 14 March 2023[3]

Crystal Vision is the sixth studio album by English electronic musician Nathan Fake. It was released on 7 April 2023 through Cambria Instruments, Fake's own label co-founded with Wesley Matsell.[2] The album features collaborations with Clark and Wizard Apprentice, and was preceded by the singles "The Grass" and "Vimana".[4] Crystal Vision received generally positive reviews from music critics.[1][5]

Background

Following his fifth album Blizzards (2020), which was largely recorded live in one take, Fake took a different approach for Crystal Vision, aiming for a more refined and accessible sound.[6] He described the album as "music for music's sake – recorded without angles, agendas and themes".[7] The album title unintentionally echoes Fleetwood Mac; Fake attributed this to a subconscious influence from his father singing their lyrics during his childhood, noting that his debut album Drowning in a Sea of Love had similarly echoed one of the band's songs.[6]

Fake built several tracks around specific creative constraints. "Boss Core" was constructed using sounds from a Boss DR-550 drum machine, challenging himself to make the rudimentary sounds compelling.[7] "AMEN 96" was an experiment in reworking the amen break, a staple of jungle and drum and bass.[7][1] The collaboration with Wizard Apprentice on "The Grass" came about after Fake heard their track "I Am Invisible".[2] The closing track "Outsider" features Clark.[7]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Pitchfork7.6/10[1]
musicOMH[8]

Crystal Vision received generally positive reviews from music critics. Philip Sherburne of Pitchfork gave the album a 7.6, writing that while Fake pays direct homage to his inspirations, the results maintain his distinctive sound.[1] James Sherwood of The Quietus described the album as a love letter to Fake's musical roots, praising its sense of community and connectedness.[5] Inverted Audio called it a "return to form", noting its purposeful direction and playful approach to genre.[9] Ben Hogwood of Arcana called it a formidable addition to Fake's discography, praising its bold colours and rewarding energy.[10] Ben Devlin of musicOMH gave a more mixed assessment, praising tracks such as "AMEN 96" and the title track but finding that some of the album's nostalgia-driven approach occasionally faltered.[8]

Track listing

Crystal Vision track listing
No.TitleLength
1."Arrival"0:53
2."The Grass" (feat. Wizard Apprentice)6:16
3."Vimana"5:10
4."Boss Core"7:19
5."Crystal Vision"6:50
6."CMD"3:14
7."Bibled"8:01
8."Hawk"6:31
9."AMEN 96"5:24
10."Outsider" (feat. Clark)7:41

Personnel

  • Nathan Fake – production, all instruments
  • Wizard Apprentice – vocals on "The Grass"
  • Clark – collaboration on "Outsider"
  • Infinite Vibes – artwork[11]
  • Guy Davie – mastering at Electric Mastering[11]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Sherburne, Philip (12 April 2023). "Nathan Fake: Crystal Vision". Pitchfork. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
  2. ^ a b c "Nathan Fake Announces New Album 'Crystal Vision'". Clash. 22 February 2023. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
  3. ^ "Nathan Fake Shares New Track 'Vimana'". Clash. 14 March 2023. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
  4. ^ "Nathan Fake's new album, Crystal Vision, features Clark, Wizard Apprentice". Resident Advisor. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
  5. ^ a b Sherwood, James (4 May 2023). "Nathan Fake — Crystal Vision". The Quietus. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
  6. ^ a b "A Few Minutes With Nathan Fake". Roland. 7 April 2023. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
  7. ^ a b c d "Track By Track: Nathan Fake – Crystal Vision". The Ransom Note. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
  8. ^ a b Devlin, Ben (7 April 2023). "Nathan Fake – Crystal Vision". musicOMH. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
  9. ^ McMahon, Jonathan (31 March 2023). "Review: Nathan Fake: Crystal Vision". Inverted Audio. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
  10. ^ Hogwood, Ben (14 April 2023). "Nathan Fake: Crystal Vision". Arcana. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
  11. ^ a b "Crystal Vision". Nathan Fake. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
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