Deerhunter - Cryptograms

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Experimental Atlanta band straightens up, flies crazy

Taking stylistic cues from Can, Sonic Youth and The Jesus and Mary Chain, Atlanta's Deerhunter often creates decidedly uneasy-listening music. And yet, the band's accomplished second full-length occasionally surprises with its accessibility. Originally intended as a pair of separate EPs, Cryptograms opens with ominous atmospherics via a wash of guitars and ethereal vocals, its latter half silver-lined with glorious, psychedelic pop. Much like avant-innovators Liars (whom they count as friends), Deerhunter chooses to celebrate creativity and find beauty through decidedly deconstructive methods. This impressive offering is a fortuitous one, considering that the band's frenetic, unpredictable live show deserves pairing with a truly ferocious studio counterpart.