Crypts

Dark electronic trio Crypts fuse dense synthesizer distortion with rapid hip-hop percussion and ominous vocals, yielding music that proves both compelling and unsettling. Originating in Seattle, the project started when programmer Bryce Brown recruited former These Arms Are Snakes frontman Steve Snere to supply vocals over his customized synth-and-drum-machine setups, then grew into a full band once visual artist Nick Bartoletti joined to supply light and video projections that heightened their live shows. By 2011 Crypts had performed alongside Crystal Castles, Zola Jesus, and Russian Circles, finishing their debut album the following February and signing with Sargent House two months afterward. Ahead of the September 2012 arrival of that self-titled album Crypts—produced by Erik Blood of Shabazz Palaces—the band released its first video for “Fancy” and the follow-up track “Territories” during the summer.