By Jessica Thrasher, contributor

[Warner Records; 2023]

Rating: 7/10

Key Tracks: “Invisible Hand”, “Pulseplagg”, “Big Youth”

Crosses, (generally stylized as ✝ ✝ ✝) are known for their sensual and melancholic sound, which is ever present in their most recent work, Goodnight. Crosses have introduced a more meticulous and layered production than seen in previous records. Listeners have noted potential artistic influence for the album taken from Nine Inch Nails and Depeche Mode for their use of heavy synths and industrial, reconstructed beats. Harsh noise is split up and arranged to produce a discordant harmony which is drawn forward by electronic rhythm. This album improves with each listen, and you will recognize new layers of sound and production you hadn’t noticed the first time.

The album mainly shines in its production; the group identifies as alternative/indie but this body of work would indicate they are closer to synth/trip-hop. The group consists of two artists, Chino Moreno of nu-metal band Deftones and guitarist Shaun Lopez who has contributed to the post-hardcore and alternative rock scene since the 90’s, as well as the production of this album. Goodnight is already the highlight of Crosses’ discography to many, for good reason. Moreno and Lopez have found a rare creative and stylistic chemistry that has resulted in the moody and enticing musical identity they have found today. 

The opening track “Pleasure” wastes little time in setting the tone, which will be familiar to listeners of Crosses. The electronic beat keeps the energy up for the following: “Invisible Hand”, “Pulseplagg”, “Big Youth” and “Ghost Ride” which features an abrasive beat behind bewitching melodic lines between Moreno and his synth.

“Runner”, “Grace” and “Goodnight, God Bless, I Love U, Delete” give way to a softer experience without scattering the album’s focus; the same feeling of “nighttime music”, yearning and melodrama can all still be found in the latter half of the album. 

Despite the somewhat heavy-handed drama Goodnight brings to the table, there is bright optimism at the core of this album. “Found” and “Light As A Feather” explore this and share a slightly lighter tone than the rest of the piece by giving less emphasis to the rhythm and more focus on the melodic landscape.

I will say that Goodnight is long-winded and could have benefited from some of the songs being shortened, as most of them do become repetitive past a certain point, without any variation. Goodnight has strong and clean construction throughout and an impressive mixing of both improvised and instrumental sounds. Lyricism is generally not Moreno’s strong suit and this is no exception, however, Goodnight is a great display of his growth as an artist and a potential new musical direction for his future work.

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