Cryptacize: Mythomania [2009]

Cryptacize: Mythomania [2009]

Cryptacize: Mythomania (2009)

8.3/10

Much of Cryptacize's new album, Mythomania, sounds like it should the soundtrack to a Clint Eastwood western. For example, "I'll Take The Long Way", one of the album's stand out tracks, begins with a great tack-piano line and a cowboy electric guitar riff. Its one of those songs that makes you feel real badass. I honestly fantasize tumbleweed blowing about me when I walk around listening to this album, and thats a good thing. This may also explain the cowboy on the album cover being strangled by a cloud (?)

Fans of Deerhoof will certainly find much to love here. Former Deerhoofian guitarist Chris Cohen drives each song with his incredible rhythmic riffs, and the resulting sound is very similar to his prior band. Like Deerhoof, Cryptacize doesn't take themselves too seriously, allowing for cute theatrics to dominate several songs. The most notable difference between the two bands, which may at first seem like a similarity, is the vocals. On a few songs Nedelle Torrisi's voice bounces and chirps like Deerhoof, but when she slows down and drags her singing embodies a beautifully full aesthetic. And the melodies, oh the melodies! They are all over the place, dropping and lifting where you'd least expect it. Cohen and company certainly aren't pushing boundaries here, but they have crafted a light and intricate album that is full of imagination.

Cryptacize releases Mythomania April 21 on Asthmatic Kitty Records.

Cryptacize:: I'll Take the Long Way (from Mythomania [2009])