House

After two decades together, Swedens Shout Out Louds drift into indie pop middle age with the same sense of grace that has characterized their music from the start. Releasing records on a variety of indie and major labels since the early-2000s, the Stockholm quartet have a knack for comfortable melodies and a sound that can scale between energetic indie rock and more laid-back jangle pop with synth flourishes. Where 2017s Ease My Mind was a purposeful exercise in restraint, the bands sixth LP, House, feels somewhat riskier, thanks in part to its edgy post-punk/new wave aesthetic. Reviving a collaboration that began on 2007s Our Ill Wills, Shout Out Louds rehired producer Björn Yttling (Peter Björn and John) to help them shape a sound that is textured, toothy, and a little mysterious. From a performance standpoint, the band sound significantly more energized and engaged, recording the bulk of the tracks live in the studio and allowing space for noisy experimentation. The albums dark-hued tone and thick low end runs almost counterintuitive to its poignant themes of love and gentle introspection. Songs like "Mixed Up" and "My Companion" surge with supple, wiry energy and noisy squalls, but retain the sweet melodicism that is one of the groups hallmarks. "Sky and I (Himlen)" is another warm highlight, with keyboardist Bebban Stenborg taking a turn at lead vocals behind frontman Adam Olenius. Shout Out Louds have maintained a consistency of craft throughout their career, while engaging in a subtle evolution from record to record. House is yet another strong effort that feels familiar while still striking a different tone than anything else in their catalog. ~ Timothy Monger