Arriving behind two acclaimed 2021 releases -- the Grammy-winning (with and ) and their first exclusive collaboration, -- reunites vocalist/Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and the super-versatile quartet . Whereas was built around a set of duets by and individual members of the group (and included some material by pop and gospel songwriters), the ensemble-minded follow-up incorporates 19th century poetry by the likes of , , and , as well as words by , and the musicians themselves (and, in one case, music by ). Importantly, the five of them recorded the album following extensive touring for its predecessor, during which they became familiar with each other's tendencies and strengths. The album was co-produced by 's . A sixth musician, 's partner in the duo , contributed lyrics or performances to two tracks. One of those entries, "Rectangles and Circumstance," opens the ten-song set with a tonal grating noise and rumbling percussion before 's crystalline voice introduces the melody. Her arrival helps to establish the album's spacious character, in which each individual component, from tapped surfaces to vocals and electronic distortion, can be not only easily distinguished but dramatically potent. It's one of a handful of songs here that includes a rock-minded drum kit in addition to various percussion. With lyrics by the full ensemble, lines like "Windy talkers advertise/Wearing suits bought with lies" blend well with pieces like the spacier, keyboard- and mallet percussion-based "Silently Invisibly," featuring lyrics by ("Never seek to tell thy love/Love that never told can be"), and the anxious interpretation "Like a Drum" ("I felt a funeral, in my brain"). The track list's softer, gentler side includes the harmony-rich, lullaby-like "Who Turns Out the Light" (lyrics by ) and the glistening, tender "The Parting Glass," based on a Scottish traditional verse and half-whispered by , at least until halfway through. While everything here is theatrically presented and captivating, a standout in regard to its attention-grabbing qualities is "This" (lyrics by ), which plays with highly edited vocal samples including percussive breathing. By the closing revision, "To Music," it's hard to imagine that won't lead to even more demand for the alliance's concerts. ~ Marcy Donelson