Young the Giant slides back into the rock scene with “Mind over Matter.” The album continues the band’s reputation of strong vocals, production and songwriting while avoiding the cursed “sophomore slump.”

Fans of Young the Giant likely will be pleased with this latest effort. Although no thumping anthems like “My Body” exist on this album, the songs change tempo and tone enough to keep listeners interested. Lyrics take an interesting perspective on the complications of relationships with others and yourself while being in your early-twenties. The band uses electronic instruments more often, but none of the songs feel saturated with electronic sounds. The incorporation of the instruments sounds natural and even hard to notice at times.

For people just being introduced to the band, this album proves exceptionally well put together. There are some moments where the lyrics dip in quality, but those moments tend to be made up for. The music is beautifully arranged. The sounds blend together well and it’s clear they spent a great amount of time polishing this record for release (unless such perfection comes naturally to them).

With all that said, this album is not made for those who prefer their rock gritty and imperfect. “Mind over Matter” has grit, but the grit has been shined up to the point where it almost verges on glossy.

If Young the Giant continues the path they set with this album, some critics will state the band’s music is too shiny to be considered real rock. However, with the indie scene introducing acts who interpret what “real rock” is in different ways, defining Young the Giants may instead come down to what kind of real rock they are.

Any fan of Young the Giant or anyone who wants to hear an almost glossy rock album with indie heart can check out “Mind over Matter” on Spotify for free or buy the album on iTunes or at a local superstore.