Yeasayer's debut album was a strange, wonderful affair. The band seemed to take a kitchen sink approach to their craft, employing layers of sound and texture to build their songs, yet somehow still retaining an organic feel to the overall finished product. It offered an interesting contrast to the sense of doom and foreboding that existed in some of the songs on All Hour Cymbals. So, it should come as no surprise that Yeasayer has again found a way to highlight contrasts, yet, amazingly, on Odd Blood, do it in a completely opposite way.

It seems like Yeasayer found their dancing shoes in the time since All Hour Cymbals. With a few exceptions, most of the songs on Odd Blood, particularly “Madder Red” and “I Remember,” would sound right at home on the soundtrack to an 80s teen movie. Yeasayer does a convincing impersonation of an electronic band, albeit with more singing. And, while the band used synths and electronics on their debut, all of the songs on the new album are even more stocked with interesting sound textures. But lacking this time is the organic feel.

Interestingly, where the band has lost that, it's found a new optimism. The first single, “Ambling Alp,” is basically a motivational speech set to music. “You must stick up for yourself, son, never-mind what anybody else does,” the chorus advises. Other songs on the album are similarly as heartfelt, finding singer Chris Keating depicting romantic interludes, requests, and remembrances.

It seems like a fresh direction for Yeasayer, but for those who may be unwilling to part with All Hour Cymbals' more subtle layered sound-scape, it could be a rough transition. However, Odd Blood is easier to digest in snippets, each song strong enough to stand on its own, where the previous album worked better when digested all at once. No matter your preference, at least Yeasayer is willing to experiment and expand their palette, while still keeping their kitchen sink approach.