Deep Cricket Night releases new record

Chicago-based rock outfit Deep Cricket Night has come out of the pandemic with a new sound. Formed by lead vocalist and guitarist Lance Drake, Greg MacAyeal on bass, Dave Buoscio on piano and organ and drummer Michael Ressler, the band has been sharing their unique sonic vision for 15 years since the release of their debut album “Honeymoon Tattoo” in 2007.

Since then, they’ve shared a string of albums over the years, each stamping a distinct mark of their evolving creative output. Taking influence from artists such as Joy Division and the early works of Pink Floyd, the band presents the latest chapter of this musical endeavour via their new full-length record titled “Song of the Siren Saved.”

Opened by “Downpour, Same,” the album kicks off with whimsical descending guitar plucks, before launching into an upbeat rock sound full of lightly fuzzy guitar tones, shuffling drums, slick bass lines, bright piano work and stunning vocal leads that float via catchy melodies and soft vibrato.

“Red Runs Through the White Lodge” opens with the tension building patter of drums as atmospheric guitar tones craft anticipation before the light grit of guitar lines and organ stretches form a moody vibe. Lance’s impassioned vocal leads ride above to deliver a rousing energy brimming with alternative intensity. It’s an enveloping and expansive rock soundscape with subtle prog undercurrents.

“Stellar Jay” follows with the gentle pulses of bass guitar as a downtempo ambience of intricate guitar flourishes and softly tapping percussion takes hold to craft a dreamy setting for Lance to stitch his alluring vocal leads into the stunning sonic fabric of this song, tinged with psychedelic aesthetic.

Other highlights on the record include songs like “Where I Call Home” with its airy intro of bright guitar notes that flutter above lulling bass lines and mellow drums. Blissful melodic vocals spin emotive delivery on an enthralling arrangement of guitar layers, gently rising and falling between falsetto style and velvety verses.

The album closes with “Skulls Reach,” starting off with a spacey tones of fuzzy synth texture before vibrant synth leads dance above a grooving blend of light drums, guitar strums, punchy piano and propulsive bass as Lance lays down a lively vocal performance that ebbs and flows dramatically through a shifting landscape of changing tempo and moods to craft a highly original and thoroughly enjoyable finale to the band’s sensational new record.

Commenting on the record, the band shares, “Song of the Siren Saved is inspired by the claustropohia and sundry of challenging changes caused by the pandemic. It is inevitably about breaking through said challenges, where the notion of saved is a tale of self-determination and strength, not unseen, fantastical luck.”

Listen to Song of the Siren Saved below