Lifelike

is a band with such a distinctive style that any change to it -- no matter how small -- makes a significant difference. On , they make some subtle yet notable shifts, starting with their lineup: The trio's second album is its first recorded with bassist , who joined shortly after the departure of founding guitarist . It's also the first album with singer/songwriter on guitar, the instrument he played in his previous band with drummer , . 's return to six strings is a welcome reminder of how ferocious his playing can be; on the closing track, "Total History," his strumming is so brisk that it practically sparks the guitar inferno that engulfs the song's second half. It also allows the band to embellish on the post-punk blueprint they established on 2018's , adding more melody as well as more experimentation. For many bands, a more melodic approach might mean a more straightforward sound, but that's not the case with . The trio leans into abstraction on , blurring the boundaries between post-rock and post-punk and trading ideas with a dexterity that approaches jazz. use their newfound melodicism to heighten the emotional complexity of their music, particularly on the highlight "In Time." "Time moves/When you do/I am in between," intones over warping guitars that throw his words into a new light with each undulation; is he left behind or liberated? Though it's the first song to feature a traditional four-chord progression, it's not obvious -- instead, it lends a strange nostalgic undercurrent, as though the ghost of a pop song lurks within it somewhere. While 's return to guitar is welcome, also provides plenty of showcases for and . The only thing more startling than "Another Country"'s windchime-like guitars is just how massive 's drums sound; later, his prodding, processed beats lend focus to "Loom State"'s hovering paranoia. On "XUXA," 's bass grounds 's swooping tones and 's rolling toms in melodic warmth that's almost felt more than heard. Elegant, unusual touches like these suggest are still finding new complexities in their music on , an album that demands and rewards close listening. ~ Heather Phares