I usually hate how people will commend bands for making their sound poppier and more accessible, which is exactly the case for the new Health single “Die Slow”. Only problem is, I can’t stop listening to this song.

Released as a 7-inch on Lovepump United in advance of their upcoming full-length Get Color, the “Die Slow” single (the B-Side comes with a Pictureplane remix of the song) would suggest Health have been taking cues from their partners in “Crimewave”, Crystal Castles. Moving further away from their avant noise days than ever before, it seems as though the band will be looking to break out of the underground, much the way fellow L.A. sonic stranglers No Age have been able to do. Making their claim to one of the best records we’ve yet to hear, here is at least one of the best singles of 2009.

Health – “Die Slow” [via 88 Days In My Veins]

Without any press interviews or even barely a word while they perform, Crystal Castles took the music-world by storm when they released their self-titled debut back in March. And when you add the coolest woman of 2008 to one of LA’s — if not the world’s — preeminent noise-makers in HEALTH, the result is a recipe for a great single.

We have to admit, it’s not our favorite single from the Crystal Castles record. Nor is it our favorite HEALTH-related track, but when two of the best independent music forces collide with such force, we felt we had to give “Crimewave” it’s due. By far two of our favorite artists of 2008, it’s nice to be able to mention them in the same breath.

Crystal Castles Vs. HEALTH “Crimewave”