2011's An Awesome Wave and 2014's This Is All Yours thrusted alt-J into the spotlight fast, with the band moving serious units and picking up the 2012 Mercury Prize. An extensive touring schedule followed, then, in August of 2016, after a much deserved break, Joe Newman, Thom Sonny Green, and Gus Unger-Hamilton began recording Relaxer, the trio's third studio album. The 8-tracker opens with "3WW" and closes with "Pleader," and you'll quickly notice the presence of strings. In addition to orchestral arrangements, the LP incorporates various styles—electronica, psych, garage rock, and more—into the mix. What brings together the different textures is the overall tone of the album: slowed-down, dramatic, dark, and gently odd. A lot of good ideas happening here, and kudos to the band for having the courage to keep its sound evolving (alt + j types ∆!). Songs to check out: "In Cold Blood," "House of the Rising Sun," "Deadcrush," "Adeline," and "Hit Me Like That Snare."

• digital download included
• music label: Atlantic 2017

reviewed by famestain 06/2017