It's hard to decide what the most impressive thing about is: 's ambition, which is seemingly boundless, or the fact that this boundless ambition never eclipses these songs. The band already made such an impressive leap from to that an album to catch their breath would have been understandable. However, are most comfortable when they're challenging themselves, and delivers everything that did and more. Just as that album blew off the dust and noise that covered 's lo-fi sketches, this album's production clears away any remaining cobwebs, revealing these songs in all their intricate detail. That detail includes string quartet and choral arrangements by composer and conductor on some tracks, but all of has a more rarefied air than any of 's previous work. The band hints at the just how big the album's scope is with its first two tracks: 's psychedelic folk-jazz throws listeners into its bustling acoustic guitars, piles of vocal harmonies, swishy drums, and various sparkling sounds, making it a disorienting and dazzling opening salvo. The gorgeous by contrast, is the album's most immediate moment, its "Would you always? Maybe sometimes? Make it easy? Take your time" chorus teetering elegantly between pleading and reassuring as it's buoyed by backing vocals courtesy of 's . From there, ranges from -like rambles such as and -- which plays like a kissing cousin to -- to elaborate, quicksilver suites like which builds from the 's vocals into skyward-climbing chamber pop, to 's deceptively simple pop. At the heart of all these songs are negotiations with someone close, as on 's admission "I can't get out of what I'm into with you." Though the sheer heft of songs such as could easily topple the album's balance between ambition and intimacy, knows when to come in for close-focus moments like and the final track, which, with its plaintive vocals and simple piano melody, is one of the band's most beautiful ballads yet. It's clear that was made for a lot of listening. Nearly every song feels like the musical equivalent of a big meal: there's lots to digest, and coming back for second (and thirds, and more) is necessary. ~ Heather Phares