†-†-†-Crosses-full-length-Album-CoverIf you could take Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails and somehow allow them to create a musical lovechild, you would nearly certainly get Crosses.

February 11th saw the release of Crosses’ eagerly awaited first album, simply titled ‘†††’. Comprised of Chino Moreno (Deftones, Palms, etc.), Shaun Lopez (Far, etc.) and Chuck Doom as a way to showcase some softer music. Crosses have released two EPs since their formation in 2011.

For those who pick up the album not knowing Crosses, welcome to the world of dreamy synth rock that they have perfectly crafted. For long term fans of the band, the album can be frustrating listen. Not due to the quality of the music, but because for the most part, it’s previously released material, with only a handful of fresh, news songs to treat yourself to.

But despite that, it really is a treat. From This is a Trick to sombre closer Death Bell the album is as easy a listen as they come. Despite only featuring five new tracks on a fifteen track album, the new tracks more than make up for their scarcity.

Bitches’ Brew which had a video released for it in November of 2013, is a dark, electro-rock track that uses clever harmonies and extra bass (courtesy of Duff McKagan) to captivate and supply three and a half minutes of aural bliss. It finishes off with Chino contributing some Deftones-esque screams over an explosion of progressive guitar riffs. Blk Stallion, another new track to Crosses’ arsenal is a joy to listen to with its uplifting chorus hitting a nostalgic note against a wall of fuzzy guitars.

The dancey beat of Telepathy is one that’s hard to escape, and will leave you bobbing your head to the bouncy bassline that carries the song from its scratchy synthy beginnings to the equally scratchy outro.

It’s always going to be hard to judge any side project of Chino Moreno’s if you have any sort of loyalty to Deftones, but there really isn’t anything not to like about ‘†††’. It is clear where their influences lie more so than ever, but the finished product is a pleasure to listen to. The five new tracks sit well in Crosses repertoire of songs, and will surely serve to generate more interest in the band, and pave the way for future releases.