by Chris Woodstra
Cypress was the band's first recording made for release, as opposed to Afoot which was intended to be a demo. Some of its finest moments, such as &Easy Does& and &Waters Part,& are in keeping with Afoot in terms of form, but the added care taken in its recording makes this album shine, and further illustrates Mitch Easter's talents as a producer; the more expansive arrangements (with a surprising amount of synthesizers) and subtle sonic explorations more fully illuminate the songs. Within a distinguished and consistent catalog, Cypress stands as the high-water mark for the band.