Cryptograms
by Deerhunter
  • Record Label: Kranky
  • Release Date: Jan 29, 2007
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 45
  3. Negative: 2 out of 45

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  1. Ricko
    Oct 28, 2014
    6
    If you listen to Deerhunter's back catalogue, you could be forgiven for thinking that Cryptograms came later in their career, in their experimental period. Unlike most indie rock bands, Deerhunter have gotten more melodic and less experimental as their career has progressed. Cryptograms works best when listened to in its entirety in the one sitting. This allows you to immerse yourself inIf you listen to Deerhunter's back catalogue, you could be forgiven for thinking that Cryptograms came later in their career, in their experimental period. Unlike most indie rock bands, Deerhunter have gotten more melodic and less experimental as their career has progressed. Cryptograms works best when listened to in its entirety in the one sitting. This allows you to immerse yourself in the record and really get your teeth into it. On the other hand, while I find this the best way to listen to the album, it also highlights the downsides to the record. At times the band simply overindulge with certain ideas resulting in some tracks sounding repetitive and ultimately boring which is something I could never say about the bands best works (which I feel are Microcastle and Halycon Digest). For me, its more a very interesting album rather than a very good album. "Red Ink" is the standout track for me.… Expand
  2. nashaq
    Feb 4, 2009
    6
    I think this album has been a bit over rated, it seemed 'fashionable' to like this album (I actually prefer Microcastles). Some good songs but then a few mediocre.
  3. rachel
    Feb 22, 2007
    5
    mediocre. this is not a brilliant album, it has a few decent moments, but overall its nothing remarkable. i wonder how big these guys would be if pitchfork didnt hype them up so much.

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. The Boston Phoenix
    88
    Yeah, the alternate/alternating track sequence is screwy for the first seven songs or so — Deerhunter build momentum only to lose it. But it gives the album’s backside something of a black-and-white-to-Technicolor moment.
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  2. Almost Cool
    83
    Although it's definitely a bit bi-polar, Cryptograms still gets high marks for offering up a slew of great tracks and actually gaining strength the longer it goes on.
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  3. Lost At Sea
    80
    This is not a complete or coherent narrative of despair, as the two album halves don’t particularly work with one another—it really feels like two EPs sewn together. But the effort is more than evocative enough to scare the hell out of you, at least for a little while.
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