A mature third statement from the Bay Area octet, 's dances between genres with aplomb, successfully integrating , , and . The band's cross-stylistic statements remain surprisingly cognizant of the genres' original intentions. Perhaps most impressive, however, are the transitions from piece to piece, and style to style (such as the movement from to which doesn't sound so much like an attempt at a live segue -- as transitions on albums tend to -- but a natural progression within the music). Equally impressive, if only from a gimmicky point of view, is the band's laid-back arrangement of (which morphs into the chaotically pretty ). Granted, the band still moves into territory sometimes (albeit while remaining ), such as on the maudlin The band receives some high-profile help, with and occasional keyboardist contributing on three tracks, and / leader/bassist joining in (as well as co-writing) 's vibraphone arrangements lend a warmth throughout the album. ~ Jesse Jarnow