cryptograms

Deerhunter's Cryptograms (out Jan. 29 on Kranky) is a classic "study in duality," due mostly to the fact that it's divided into two distinctly opposing parts. The record's first half is notably more experimental, droning, and less focused, the product of some turmoil that the band was experiencing at the time, including the death of a band member.

The best song on the album, "Spring Hall Convert" marks the beginning of the album's stellar second half, which the band calls "...a set of focused psych-pop songs fixating on adolescence, illness, and failing connections..." Deerhunter admits that the album's second half "represents the band in an entirely different state," and the result is beautiful:

Deerhunter Spring Hall Convert mp3

Here's the video for the first single, and perhaps the most accessible track from Cryptograms, "Strange Lights":



Check out the band's myspace page for hilarious "actual testimony" from people who can't stand Deerhunter, then buy Cryptograms here.