MP3: "Prurien†" by ††† (Crosses)

MP3: "Prurien†" by ††† (Crosses)

Posted by Eli Watson.

Who would have thought Chino Moreno had such a soft side? Known for being the frontman of alternative rock group Deftones, Moreno shows a more softer, yet still haunting persona in side project Crosses, featuring long time friends and collaborators Shaun Lopez of FAR, and Chuck Doom. Having debuted with their well-received EP Cross (also known as EP 1), the band returns with EP 2, a release that shows the group retaining their minimalist, less-is-more sound, inviting listeners into their moody abyss.

Formed last year Crosses remained secretive about their debut, silently releasing EP 1 for free, on their official website. The release gained immediate attention from Forbes.com, who named the release one of the best free albums of 2011. The album's mysterious atmosphere is compelling: "This Is A Trick" oozes with Nine Inch Nails eeriness, militaristic percussion punching wildly, as Moreno's soothing delivery crescendos into a powerful, shrill scream. "Option" begins with ominous, distorted guitar, exploding into a wall of unrelenting sound.

EP 2 follows in similar manner. Electronic, Aphex Twin-esque percussion looms in the background, as somber, melancholic melodies accompany Moreno's slithering delivery in leading track "Prurient," while final track "1987" sets an apocalyptic tone with its menacing synths and unnerving vocals. EP 2 is available now as a standard digital download for $3.99, and as a deluxe version for $6.99. Featuring high-quality audio versions of the songs, demos, and many other bonuses, the deluxe version has plenty to offer for its price.

The group will also be making their live debut on the dates listed below, before embarking to South America to play Lollapalooza Chile and Quilmes Rock in Argentina.

Listen to "Prurien†" from EP 2 below and download from the SoundCloud player directly.



Crosses Tour Dates

Jan. 31     The Glass House      Pomona, CA
Feb. 1       The Casbah             San Diego, CA
Feb. 3       Ace of Spades         Sacramento, CA
Feb. 4       Slim's                      San Francisco, CA