Cast of Thousands is a three-piece. More specifically, this two-guy- (singer/guitarist Burt Hashiguchi, drums/noisemaker Derrick Hostetter) -and-one-girl (bassist/singer Jennifer Yee) alt/indie rock trio are the core creators and performers on Applied Mythology, a new collection of rock and pop songs featuring a broad range of styles and guest performers. Cast of Thousands’ second album is inspired by the idea of ancient mythology applied to modern-day life situations. Marathon recording sessions spanning two years yielded a wealth of songs that fell under three themes: love and relationships (section I: Cupid Broke His Arrows), betrayal and bridges burned (section II: Gorgon Tales), and the milestones, especially the inevitable end, of life (section III: River Rides For Just A Coin). The songs range from ultra-poppy (“Cupid Broke His Arrows”) to driving and aggressive (“Insult Injury”) to folk-ish melancholy (“The Longest Drive Home”). The album was produced by the band and long-time collaborator/engineer Willie Samuels. Like mythology itself, the songs of Applied Mythology try to make sense of our lives through the power of story-telling. The stories and emotions put into song are manifold: “Cupid Broke His Arrows” is a boppy, fifties-inspired pop anthem. The Cure-ish track “The Courtship” will give you the ethereal-erotic gothic creeps. The heartbreak and despair of a rejected suitor is channeled in “Beholder.” “Less Sorry” and “Snakes For Hair” document the real-life betrayal of former friends. The narrator of “The Longest Drive Home” tries (unsuccessfully) to cope with a loved one’s impending death. “Envelopes” tells a tale of unrequited mystery love. Yee’s innocent voice chronicles the sentimental longing for days past on “Twenty-One” and “Front Row.” In order to realize their vision for Applied Mythology, Cast of Thousands recruited the talents of co-producer Samuels, string-composer Anton Patzner (Judgement Day), pianist Brian Glover and multi-instrumentalist Ken Mahru (Parker Street Cinema), and violinist Tin Fan (The Ant Show). One day, their fervor for ensemble may bring truth to their name.