The always impressive Los Angeles rockers The Airborne Toxic Event return with nine new songs, with the mover and shaker of the band, vocalist-guitarist-keyboardist Mikel Jollett, joined by Steven Chen, Darren Taylor, Adrian Rodriguez and Mimi Peschet.

The atmospheric “Our Own Thunder Road” starts the listen with a soft twinkling that is met with emotive singing and much cautiousness. “Hole In My Heart” then follows with Taylor's thumping drums and thick guitars that emit much melody and grit.

Moving into the middle, “So You Think You Know The Difference?” benefits much from Rodriguez’s clever bass lines amid the powerful singing, while “Frank Pigg” comes with plenty of rhythm and could soundtrack a night at the club thanks to its infectious energy. “Note To Self,” one of the album’s best, then recruits Peschet’s sublime violin for the gorgeous intimacy that’s lyrically pretty straightforward—even kind of despondent.

Deeper into the back half, “It Never Happened At All” pairs the spirited guitar with expressive singing, as Jollett’s vivid storytelling is both gripping and heartfelt. The last two selections include the title track and “The Walk.” The former resides in an anthemic and textured haze, and the latter carries a charming dreaminess of beauty and sophistication.

Now seven studio albums deep and with nearly 20 years together, The Airborne Toxic Event continue to carve out a unique spot for themselves, where indie-rock, alternative rock, chamber ideas and throwback post-punk enliven this album’s 37-minute duration.

Rating: A-

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