On their second album, North Carolina natives EAR PWR’s sophomore effort explores an expansive set of auditory contours and certain themes that are due to the growth in their songwriting. Devon Booze’s homemade synthesizers make their debut on the duo’s self-titled follow up to 2009’s Super Animal Brothers III.

The album opens up with Booze-led synths on “Mountain Home.” The synths are the lynchpin of the record and this track helps set the tone of what’s to come. Sarah Reynolds’ vocals are the perfect compliment to what sounds like an 8-bit Nintendo background, which isn’t a bad thing. Booze’s homemade instruments are very innovative and provide the backdrop for this terrific indie dance-pop number. It is one of best opening tracks I’ve heard in sometime.

Another standout track is the Madchester-sounding “Melt.” Again, synths reign supreme as Reynolds’ vocals shine. The background synth beat lays the perfect backdrop that isn’t too distracting, yet isn’t boring to be background noise. The track is layered so well that each element of it’s multiple complicated parts work in a manner that gets the listener involved and engaged in what is going on sonically. The drumbeats at the end of the track are a nice change that adds another dimension without changing the song’s tone.

“National Park” is another synth-layered track, which as it title suggests, could be the soundtrack while watching the stars glistening the sky in a national park. There isn’t much here lyrically, but the music is terrific and has such a great, upbeat feel to it that you have no choice but to lean back and look towards the sky, even if it is during the day. This tune differs from the others because of it’s mystical sound, which can take you away to another place.

The anthemic ode to their home on “North Carolina” is the most upbeat track on the record. Reynolds’ vocals are at their rangy best, while the music is at it’s best. This is the standout track on an album full of highlights.

It’s safe to say that EAR PWR avoids the dreaded sophomore slump on this album. They have taken the next steps in their creativity and musicianship by crafting interesting tunes, which show the duo aren’t afraid to take risks with their songwriting. With their eclectic sound, it should come as no surprise to anyone that the outfit has been asked to open for Animal Collective at the ATP Festival in England this coming spring. This 10-track effort proves that EAR PWR can only get better with time and this record is one that fans of experimental, alternative music will enjoy.

The record will be available on May 24 on all major retail outlets via Carpark Records.