We've said it before, we'll say it again: Violens like to throw the occasional curve ball. You'll be cruising along with a new album from one of New York's greatest perpetually on-the-verge bands, like the new True, thinking to yourself, "Well this is nice. A bit more of a relaxed jangle than we've heard before from Jorge and his compadres. Definitely going for the gauzy thing a bit more than on their last outing, 2010's Amoral." And then, in slams "Lavender Forces", which far from being pastel, is a slice of dark drone that puts the brakes on the frivolity. Later on, "Lucent Caries" does the same thing in an ominous, ambient way. 
For the most part though, True brings on the bliss, in the deft, sentimental pop touch of "Totally True", the Beach Boys vibe of "When to Let Go", "Sariza Spring", which would find its way nicely into a set next to early Real Estate, and the delicate "Through the Wonder". While the driving "All Night Low" is more atmosphere than full constructed song, other departures are thrilling: the spacey blips and ride cymbals of "Unfolding Black Wings" and the record's highlight and centerpiece, "Every Melting Degree" on which hazed-out vocals give way to rock flourish. 
Another solid, sparkling release from Violens, and one that deserves your attention. It's True.