Limitation as the source of grandeur
Still dwelling in the sparse territory that made its 2008 debut, Dig That Treasure, a quiet success, Cryptacize quickly returns with Mythomania. While the band remains true to its less-is-more instincts, Mythomania’s songs stand as fully developed structures that take advantage of their limited instrumentation. Chris Cohen’s guitar work—which has moved toward the groove-based rhythms of ’50s R&B—assumes many roles, from a dopey mosey underneath Nedelle Torrisi’s powerful vocal delivery (“Tail & Mane”) to the darkness of “The Loving Sun.” The compositions remain surprisingly unhampered by the wide undercurrent of spastically sped up sounds and textures.