So the hype machine for the new Deerhunter record, Cryptograms is in full effect over at Pitchforkmedia. I got a promo copy of it just after Christmas and honestly I'm not that impressed. Some comments have been made at Pitchforkmedia and by Karen O of Yeah Yeah Yeahs about their live show being a "religious experience." Yet again, I saw Deerhunter last year with Liars and I don't know if we saw completely different bands or what but they were one of the most "blah" live bands I've ever seen. I definitely don't remember being impressed. Although Cryptograms has moments that are pretty good, the drumming is some of the most sub-par high school garage band-esque stuff I've ever heard. I'm not writing them off completely. I heard their previous record, Turn It Up, Faggots! and thought I was hearing a completely different band it was so much better than Cryptograms. I want input from some others that have heard the record. Any thoughts?

Are you quite sure their first album was called Turn It Up, Faggots! ? This feature here -> http://www.dustedmagazine.com/features/580 <- says it was "untitled." No title would certainly have been a better choice than that title.

EDIT: Googling "Turn It Up, Faggots" yields some kid's blog and some college radio station saying the album is "untitled (aka turn it up faggots)". Whatever.

The version I have downloaded comes up with that title. Regardless of the title, it's a much more aggressive and noisy record than Cryptograms. Don't get me wrong, the new one isn't all bad. The music and vocals are pretty cool in fact regardless of how tame they are in comparison to the previous record. The drumming on the other record was pretty damn good but on this new one it is a MAJOR point of contention for me, especially on the first half of the album on the three or four tracks that have percussion.

Both albums queued for investigation. Will report back.

Cryptograms is my favorite album of the year as of now. I can't believe how good it is!

Is it really that good? When is the album out? Is it streaming somewhere online?

quote:

Originally posted by FragileKidA:
Is it really that good? When is the album out? Is it streaming somewhere online?

Yes, I like it at least. Not that I know of. It came out today. Here's a few tracks, I personally would recommend "Octet". "Heatherwood" is also very good.


Deerhunter songs

I don't want to make a hasty judgment but I've only listened to the single "Strange Lights" and I'm completely unimpressed. The lyrics are horrible, singing conventional, and even the music strikes me as banal. Keep in mind I'm a big shoegaze fan myself, and I usually like any group with that shimmery distorted guitar sound...

Update: I've got the whole album and listened a couple times. I really don't understand the impact this band is supposed to have. I was expecting a huge emotional rush on "Lake Somerset" and what I got was a guy mumbling into a mic run through distortion. The most promising pieces all occur in the beginning, by the time we are hitting the "pop influenced" later side I really start to lose interest. Do people really like "Strange Lights"? Honestly, it's a terrible song...

find out that band with that album and i have to say that its one of the best releases of the year so far.definitely a grower n a contender for a place in my top 10 of the year

I like the new album. I guess it sort of reminds me of the psychedelic rock from groups like Animal Collective and Comets On Fire, but I like it more than either.

This is a great album, the band sounds so tight when they start spinning off into chaos.. I really don't see how you could fault the drummer i think the percussion along with the bass sounds tremendous. Cryptograms is the best album AND song of the year so far, but of course I expect that to change as this year has a lot to offer

Their new EP, 'Fluorescent Grey', is really good too. I just saw them live, pretty awesome.

I'm late getting Cryptograms, and just recently downloaded it. I've listened twice now and its surprisingly very good. I'm not sure why I put off getting it or why I assumed I wouldn't much care for it. I should have jumped on this early, particularly since they're local boys to me in Atlanta.

Is anyone out there still feeling love for this?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Hophead,

quote:

Originally posted by Hophead:
Is anyone out there still feeling love for this?

cryptograms along with the fluorescent grey ep is my favourite release of the year. cryptograms can be frustrating but tracks like 'octet', 'hazel st.' and 'spring hall convert' are rousing. the entire fluorescent grey ep is incredible, the title track being my favourite of the year.

my problem with that album is that the instrumental tracks sound quite like fillers , something that u ll not find in any Spiritualized album .
saying that , it doesnt mean that its a mediocre album.i still believe that its very good but it could be really great

Just got it the other day and so far, loving it. Definitely Top 10 material.

their "Flourescent Grey Ep" is probably the best ep of the year.all the tracks are quality tunes.they should have put them on their album.

no one seems to make music like them these days.

Am i the only one here not to have their NEW album?

quote:

Originally posted by sk:
Am i the only one here not to have their NEW album?

Probably not, but I'm sure it feels that way.