Renewing its status as one of the most prolific and creative bands in town, Pegasuses-XL ups its own ante with The Antiphon. Gone are the seemingly improvised keyboard jams and in their place are deliberately crafted pieces. Beginning with the multi-part “Drugs for Change,” the band plays through movements that, individually, are fine examples of its ability to seam together its penchant for operatic rock, rap-styled vocals and keyboard undercurrents. Indeed, there seems to be a theme running through the entire album, but I can’t figure it out. The in-the-red bass fuzz intro of “Gold Power” is a stand-out moment, as is the entirety of “Marathon Mansion” which revolves around a single piano riff. That track, in particular, demonstrates what the band is capable of when completely focused. That’s not to say the rest is out of focus, but rather, that the band's intention is unclear.

There are a few instrumental interludes here that generally work to good effect. The best is “Pegasuses Enjoying Some Mid-Afternoon Target Practice.” It’s just a gorgeous combination of a buzzy low note, a slight piano melody and noises ranging from what sounds like a typewriter to breaking glass. If a single were to be pulled from the album though, the most likely track is “The Big Haunt.” Although I’m not terribly big on the R&B-style female vocals punctuating the chorus, the rest of the song is as good as any late-'80s soul-dance tracks. Overall, The Antiphon is a fine next step for a band who does nothing if not push itself.

Gordon Lamb