Flight Or Flight

Achille Lauro does a fine job of summing up its new record on the track “Thing About Sauza,” with lyrics that proclaim: “There’s a word for this, and the word is nuts.” That hits the nail on the head.

This band cannot be easily labeled beyond the vague “indie rock,” and it’s better for that. The quartet blends genres with abandon to create some moments of head-scratching—one minute the sound is jazzy, then the next track has a little post-rock vibe, followed by some hip-hop influences, and so on. Despite all of these shifting genres, Flight Or Flight remains catchy and danceable throughout.

“Upward Away From the Ground” kicks things off with cowbell and synth behind rapid-fire verses and shimmering guitars. “Low Cha-Cha” follows with its swirling, stoner vibe and a chorus that’s overtaken by two dudes talking about Ethiopian food and Uggs (among other things). It’s a strange trip, but one that still manages to sound tight and not overindulgent. “Hard Pressed” starts off jazzy, and then drops in a tasty guitar lick and a surprisingly funky bassline, while “Thing About Sauza” gives the listener something akin to Cake, with its nearly spoken-word lyrics and shouted backing vocals.

Flight Or Flight is all over the place, but the band’s overarching danceable grooves supply enough of a center to pull it all together as an Achille Lauro record. Fans of the group’s experimental nature should find everything they’re looking for here, while new arrivals may require a few more listens to become fully initiated. However you come to listen to Flight Or Flight, stay a while, because it’s definitely worth the time. It’s not a straightforward album, but give Flight Or Flight time and it will impress.