Myth (Deluxe Edition)

Mike Deni—Geographer's lead vocalist, who also plays guitar and synths—once said in an interview that he wants to “make soulful music from outer space.” Considering the strange sense of fragility underlying Geographer's grand, pulsing synths and cavernous drums, Deni can cross that goal from his to-do list. At the heart of the band's music there’s also a sense of longing, an emotional tug, that brings to mind both Coldplay and New Order. Upbeat numbers (like the dance floor gem “Lover’s Game” and the bouncy, guitar-driven “Myth of Youth”) can’t resist turning quiet and introspective enough to slow the dance floor action. The washes of synths on the chillwave-kissed “Life of Crime” and “Kaleidoscope” are painted in melancholic tones. When Deni delivers an ephemeral, operatic howl atop Nathan Blaz's somber cello (as on the lovely “Kites,” which also appeared on the 2010 EP Animal Shapes), one marvels at the band’s vision. This collection seems to be about social myths (youth, love, trust), and it makes a deeply stirring and eloquent soundtrack for charting a path into adulthood.