JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD

After 10 years of thrashing around with garage-rock aesthetics, real-life band of brothers JEFF the Brotherhood have begun to explore new sonic territory. Hypnotic Nights, their seventh album and major-label debut, shows a great sense of adventure. Jake and Jamin Orrall give each song a unique touch, using rolling pianos, synthesizers—some psychedelic, others futuristic—and the odd guitar twang to showcase their range of influences. Having self-produced their first six albums, the Nashville duo enlisted Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys for help behind the boards. Despite high production values and studio tricks, including especially swampy reverb and a mind-warping mix on the outro of “Staring at the Wall,” the group maintains its signature scrappy sound. The Orralls project the image of being cool, disaffected dudes, only occasionally lapsing into ruminative states about ex-girlfriends that bring the mood down. Ultimately, it’s enough to excel raucous fun—no need to strive for deep thoughts. –Amanda Farah