Fans of the band’s breakout record Oracular Spectacular will notice a clear pivot in the new release. The album shifts away from punchy, chart-topping anthems toward a broad, sunlit sound that feels drawn from the late sixties while staying unmistakably modern. It isn’t about producing instant radio hits; instead, the emphasis is on mood, texture, and a sense of journey that invites long listening sessions. The producers lean into warm analog synths, airy guitar layers, and a patient rhythm that lets melodies unfurl rather than slam home in a single chorus. The result is a sprawling collection that rewards curiosity and repeated listens, even as some listeners miss the sharper, more immediate hooks of the first record. The decision to broaden the palette marks a confident artistic choice, one that sees the band testing boundaries while keeping a coherent thread through the entire album. The listening experience is bright and radiant, but it also carries a certain nostalgia for the kaleidoscopic pop of the era that inspired it. Those who approach with a casual appetite for catchy tunes will still find moments to latch onto, albeit in a different form than before. Overall, the album earns four out of five stars for its daring mood shifts, cohesive atmosphere, and the way it forges a new path without abandoning the core spirit that defined the band early on. While it may not satisfy every listener seeking a quick, irresistible hit, it delivers a satisfying immersive experience that lingers well past the final note. Fans of Vampire Weekend’s Contra may also appreciate its sun-drenched energy and crafty arrangements, even as its textures lean more toward experimentation than pop immediacy. In the foreground, four tracks stand out for their distinctive sparkle: It’s Working, Flash Delirium, I Found a Whistle, and Brian Eno. It’s Working opens with a buoyant pulse and a chorus that unfurls with a buoyant optimism, the kind of tune that feels like a warm breeze lifting your day. Flash Delirium swirls with psychedelic detours, sudden tempo shifts, and a playful sense of motion that keeps listeners on their toes. I Found a Whistle brings a lighter, almost childlike brightness, a pocket of whimsy nestled inside the wider tapestry. Brian Eno acts as an affectionate nod to the elder explorer of ambient textures, layering gentle atmospheres over a sturdy rhythm track. Taken together, these tracks showcase the band’s knack for balancing exuberant invention with melodic clarity. The album as a whole can be heard as a deliberate journey rather than a parade of stand-alone radio moments; it rewards patience, curiosity, and a willingness to ride the synth-driven tide from one track to the next. In that sense, the record functions as a bridge between the carefree exuberance of youth and a more reflective, experimental mindset that still feels accessible. For Canadian and American audiences, the appeal lies in the bright, timeless feel that translates across borders, paired with production that feels contemporary without sacrificing vintage charm. The result is a listening experience that, while not guaranteeing an immediate hit, offers a rich, sonic landscape ready for summer afternoons, late-night drives, and thoughtful headphones alike. The musical conversation around this release continues to center on its willingness to explore, its knack for crafting vivid motifs, and its steadfast commitment to a sense of play that never surrenders to cynicism. In short, the album stands as a bold reimagining that broadens the band’s horizon and invites fans to recalibrate their expectations about what pop can sound like when it grows beyond the familiar chorus.