When parted ways with in 1996, the band responded with 1997's , one of their scrappiest and most eclectic albums. It was as if (in particular ) wanted to show the world they were still strong and lively despite the departure of one of their co-founders. returned to for the 2011 reunion album , only to leave the band again on less than cordial terms. Released in 2016, is the first studio project since, and once again it finds and his bandmates mixing up their formula, introducing new edges and angles to the group's evocative, lonesome Midwestern sound. adds lots of jagged guitar to the loop-based construction of "Ace," while "Lost the Summer" is a lean, ominous rocker with a noisy attack. ("Pretty Roses in Your Hair" is another, more subtle tune built around a ghostly drum loop.) Much of the time, ' vocals and melodies follow the template he's established in the past, but there's a fresh degree of energy in these performances. and (who co-produced the album with ) have given the guitars an edgier and less pastoral sound than one might expect from . is still the clear inspiration behind ' soloing, but here the tone is sharper and the crunch has more impact, even when the songs are gentle at heart. The yin and yang between the sharp guitar work from and the sweetness of the harmonies of , keyboard player , and drummer is honestly satisfying. And co-producer has brought along some friends from his days in , including . All in all, is an album that honors the traditions of but isn't afraid to play with convention. And if was a reminder of how well complement one another, this album demonstrates that still knows how to make a memorable album as the group's sole leader. ~ Mark Deming