“There’s nothing we can do. We were born to die fools.” It is the voice of Michael Deni on lyrics like these that consistently define Geographer. Simply reading them is not enough. The man has a superb falsetto, and it is characterizes each and every track from this spring’s Myth.
The Bay Area trio is often described as electronic or synth-rock. The synthesizer Deni originally found on the streets of San Francisco has always been a prominent feature of Geographer, yet the 2012 LP marks a more stabilized approach. The percussion of Brian Ostreicher and the electric cello of Nathan Blaz both compliment the high pitch vocals and synthesizer effects. “Lover’s Game” is the best example. The steady, softening cello provides the foundation for the standout single that has more to it than the relaxed party lyrics and floating alto of Michael Deni. The soulful track is aided by the opening piano riff and an upbeat agenda no longer distracted by electronic solos and lengthy breakdowns.
After being one of the main components of 2010’s EP Animal Shapes, synthesizer takes more of a back seat on Myth, allowing vocalist Deni to rise above the now mature looping of instruments underneath. No longer does it seem his beautiful voice is battling the guitar effects and similarly high-pitched synthesizer on every track. The balanced attack allows the LP to feel at home in various settings. “Lover’s Game,” for example, could grace a dance floor as easily as it could properly serve a study group. By no longer impeding it, Geographer has found its niche in Deni’s voice. An instrument in its own right, his highs cannot be replicated, and the chill aura of Myth should not be missed.