Better Nature

On their fourth LP, L.A.’s indie-rock mood-masters play with tension like never before. There’s a driving immediacy to the electro-rocker “Cradle (Better Nature)” that, despite its punch, is never pushed full-throttle. Ditto “Connection,” whose crunchy, filtered guitars punctuate and propel singer Brian Aubert’s subdued social commentary. On "Pins & Needles," his melodic vocals float over a swinging groove that's so in-the-pocket, it dares you not to nod your head. Every track builds till it's on the verge of exploding, but the band's calculated sense of restraint ensures they never lose their cool.