Cryptomnesia is the first in what is supposed to be an album trilogy, consisting of material written and performed by Omar Rodriguez Lopez (Mars Volta), Zach Hill (Hella), Johnathan Hischke (Hella), and Juan Alderete (Mars Volta), along with Cedric Bixler Zavala providing vocals, all of these being released under the name El Grupo Nuevo de Omar Rodriguez Lopez. Depending on who you ask, Omar as a solo artist isn't really known for his quality releases, with each album usually offering up only a few memorable treasures, all of which seemed to burried at the very bottom of a barrel full of monotonous, predictable soloing, which usually ends up becoming indescernable as he runs it through his arsenal of effects. Of course, this is all left to subjectivity; to each his own after all. (Personally, despite all of his imperfections as a musician, I still kind of dig the guy, and can't help but continute to give him the benefit of the doubt) But disregarding all of it's flaws, Cryptomnesia surprisingly shines through as what I would probably say is his best release to date.
This album's a bit of a cluster fuck, and is at it's best moments completely insane. At best I could describe this as a milieu of ideas and sounds, competing for attention in a strange but harmonious way. It's bizarre, irritating, badass, intriguing, and thankfully short and sweet, clocking in at a little over a half hour. Another highlight, and what I would say basically makes the album, is, for a change, Cedric. His vocal delivery on the past two Volta releases (and live) has been a little stale; falsettoing nonstop and hiding behind vocal effects wherever he could. But the man has made a decent come back, and without his laudable contribution (Half Kleptos, Puny Humans, and Warren Oates standing out the most) Cryptomnesia just wouldn't be quite the same, or as impressive for that matter.
Overall, Cryptomnesia packs quite a punch, and for a lack of better words, is fun as fuck. Check this shit out, as I don't think you'll regret it.
download link
*(thanks to whoever ripped this)*
