Although initially a leading light in the screamo/post-hardcore scene, began to transcend that movement in 2006, when introduced an emphasis on dynamics and melodic nuance to the band's sound. Three years later, continue to buck trends with , another melody-focused album cut with longtime producer . bears some trademarks of the band's classic screamo assault, but those aspects pale in comparison to 's own contributions, which help replicate the massive, multi-layered production found on his recent projects (including 's and ). Keyboardist plays a key role here, his synthesized chords laying a gauzy framework for many songs, while frontman shows a good deal of restraint as he emphasizes singing over screaming. His voice sounds downright epic during where alternating time signatures and walls of guitar distortion find some middle ground between Brit-pop, emo, and (bizarrely enough) the anthemic prog of . Elsewhere, pairs booming snare hits with ethereal harmonies, while songs like throw a bone to fans of the band's earlier work. In keeping with 's evolution into a fierce alternative rock group, is a somewhat streamlined release, with 's screaming vocals only serving to punctuate the brief moments between more melodic segments. Critics of will surely find fault with this album, but is largely an enjoyable record that gives as much attention to mood and melody as muscle and might. ~ Andrew Leahey