Pine Barons isn't a "[insert sound here]" band. I suppose some would throw them in the whole indie-rock thing, but given the significant shift from 2017's The Acchin Book, I think the best thing to do is simply call it a band. And when that band can channel the Shins and bombastic-era Flaming Lips within a single song (sounding both twee and brain-throttling at once), well, color me impressed.

Pine Barons Mirage on the Meadow (Grind Select)

The band certainly has ambition. The hooks are gorgeous, the riffage is throbbing and the quantity of window dressing is almost impossible to comprehend. Some of these songs feel like they have a good bit of the MBV scrim, except that it's not processed distortion. There's just layer after layer of crazy sound.

This is not an easy listen. It demands attention from the start and pretty much drags a listener along for the ride. I wouldn't say I went unwillingly, of course. There are plenty of reasons to settle in for the duration. The spectacular craftsmanship is one, as is the inventive songwriting. Nothing here is normal, and that's part of the wonder.

Kinda brilliant, really. Pine Barons (and if the band name isn't a pun that only a Philly band could carry off, I can't think of a better one) follow through on the ambition and have created one of the most arresting albums of the year. I don't know what world this came from, but I'm glad it exists in mine.

Jon Worley