††† (Crosses) is an utterly fascinating project, built on incredible pedigree (Chino Moreno – every alt-metal band ever, Deftones) and Shaun Lopez (Far, The Revolution Smile), and with ‘PERMANENT.RADIANT’, the pair have created a fascinating and expansive romp through modern alt-rock and electronic music. We see elements of industrial music, 90s trip-hop, and shoegaze feature, showcased (primarily) through pulsating beats and crunchy riffs.
All of the aforementioned elements feature proudly in ‘Sensation’ with its glitchy, spaced out vibe, and euphoric guitars that harken back to Deftones more recent output. Similarly, ‘Viviene’ takes its cues from darker 80s synthpop and wouldn’t feel out of place at your local goth night, or fetish event. For the record, this is certainly our standout track, and there are even some tasty pop hooks in here that remind of Britney Spears, if she was doing heavy dance beats and phat rock choruses. Meanwhile ‘Cadavre Exquis’ packed that darkwave-pop punch that reminds of all the best bits of Depeche Mode.
‘Day One’ is the most “odd” take from the EP, it’s almost “summery” in its approach – probably the most upbeat track that either Lopez and Moreno have ever worked on together or separately. It sounds more like (modern) Incubus than Deftones, or Far. Of course, we should give it up for the band constantly trying to experiment, but it doesn’t really fit here.
‘Holier’ is the softest tune on the collection, and sees the pair go full-on synthwave for the perfect nighttime drive soundtrack; witch-house is still a thing, and this song proves it! ‘Procession’ strikes last, with all of its euphoria and shoegazing sexiness – this one is absolute powerhouse, and it readily showcases the band’s commitment to diversity and clinical execution of quality proggy-guitar-tinged electro bangers.
Overall then, I’m so excited to see an album for this band to release an album. I think 2023 is going to be such an exciting time for fans of industrial, and alternative rock music.
