by Chris WoodstraCypress 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.