|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
CROSSES †††
Set to Ignite Observatory North Park
December 6, 2024 by Samuel Hill
The Los Angeles-based musical venture featuring Deftones frontman Chino Moreno and Far guitarist Shaun Lopez is set to light up San Diego this weekend. This tour follows the release of their first full-length album in nearly 10 years, titled “Goodnight, God Bless, I Love U, Delete.”
Crosses embodies a fascinating complexity.
Often described as electronic rock, dark wave, or dream pop, their sound is a rich tapestry of influences. Critics argue that while Crosses may visually echo the witch house genre, their music diverges significantly.
The aesthetic draws inspiration from artists like Salem and White Ring, yet sonically, it resonates with the ethereal qualities of shoegaze.
Photo by OCMN Staff Photographer Dan Siebold
Their music is a haunting blend of droning melodies and lush soundscapes, evoking images of black nail polish and fishnets in a dimly lit subway. Their debut EPs are characterized by hip-hop-inspired drum machines, atmospheric noise, eerie samples, dark synthpop melodies, and heavily manipulated vocals.
The long-awaited full-length album was postponed due to Moreno’s commitments to Koi No Yokan and the ISIS side project, Palms, but the anticipation proved worthwhile. Released in February 2014, the self-titled album features standout tracks like “Bitch’s Brew,” “This is a Trick,” and the sultry “Prurient,” making it essential listening for those seeking a delightfully sinister experience.
An interesting tidbit: Duff McKagan lends his bass skills to “This is a Trick.”
In their latest offering, “Goodnight, God Bless, I Love U, Delete,” Moreno and Lopez delve deeper into their electronic roots, embracing influences from synth pop, new wave, and goth. With less emphasis on crunch and guitars, and minimal screaming, the sound evokes a supergroup collaboration between Trent Reznor, Thom Yorke, and Sade. While their debut might have felt like a “Deftones Lite” project, this sophomore album emerges as a distinct and moody entity all its own.
The album’s nighttime hues might suggest a descent into shadowy and sinister themes, yet, in a surprising twist, Moreno shared prior to its launch: “When we began crafting [the album], a wave of light flooded into my life for many reasons. There’s a sense of hopefulness. Even the more somber topics are infused with a romantic touch, rather than stemming from a place of hopelessness.”
At moments, it evokes the brighter essence of Radiohead’s haunting “Kid A.” This soundtrack for a midnight dance floor pulses with vibrancy and color; it may not be overtly cheerful, but it brims with energy. The album showcases smooth R&B vocals in tracks like “Runner,” features the El-P collaboration “Big Youth,” and includes a notable appearance by The Cure’s Robert Smith on “Girls Float † Boys Cry,” adding significant depth to the collection.
Though not the quintessential representation of Witch House, Crosses is advancing the genre and attracting new listeners, acting as a portal to the enchanting, umbrous realms beyond.
CROSSES
December 7th and 8th, 2024
San Diego, California
Catch Crosses Familiar Tour this weekend at the Observatory North Park. It is definitely a must see event.
TO FOLLOW
SID 241209 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR
