Emerging from a decade-long hiatus, Five Iron Frenzy show new lyrical maturity and musical sleekness on Engine of a Million Pieces. The ska-rooted sounds and zany attitude that defined this Christian unit in years past are mostly absent here, though the band’s assertive horn arrangements continue to give their ensemble playing a distinct feel. Frontman Reece Roper gets more serious in his song themes while retaining his brash sense of showmanship. Tracks like “I Am Jack’s Smirking Revenge” and “Into Your Veins” tear into the topics of materialism and addiction with a punkish gusto any longtime FIF devotee will enjoy. “Zen & the Art of Xenophobia” attacks bigotry with a stinging satiric edge, while “Battle Dancing Unicorns (With Glitter)” gives a taste of the cheeky weirdness that used to be the band’s trademark. Musically, the emphasis here is on punchy rhythms and keen pop hooks, delivered with galloping new wavy energy on “So Far,” “It Was a Dark and Stormy Night," and similar hard-driving tunes. Overall, the album displays creative growth while renewing FIF’s commitment to thought-provoking, body-grabbing tunes, always with the Spirit in mind.