is 's fourth studio album, following a slew of live releases, remixes, a mix, and collaborations with and . With this record, the Texas trio return to their essence, largely exploring simmering, low-key rhythms with minimal vocals. The group's musicianship is as tight as always, yet they specialize in making airy, spacious grooves that are enticing and comforting rather than hard-driving. While it was easier to point out the key influences in the band's sound on their earlier records, from Thai funk to Afro-pop to flamenco, by now it's just easier to identify the group's atmospheric guitars and steadily paced snare slaps as sounding like . Of course, music as pleasant and vibey as theirs has a tendency to fade into the background sometimes, and simply don't have the memorable hooks that made the band's best and most exciting record, nor is it as inspired as their collaboration with . Even if it doesn't push the envelope too much, there's still plenty to enjoy about . "May Ninth," a gentle, hopeful tune about anticipation, is refreshing, like drinking a cool beverage at a poolside resort. "Pon Pón" revisits the group's disco side, with lightly shuffling drums and tasteful guitar licks shaded by multilingual whispers. "Hold Me Up (Thank You)" is a funky highlight with rippling guitars and affectionate lyrics about praising family members and loved ones. "A Love International" has another sublime groove and a guitar line which reaches upward in search of transcendence, but doesn't get overly dramatic about it. 's most stripped-down effort since their debut, but it isn't threadbare, and fans of the group should find it worthwhile. ~ Paul Simpson