Castevet

Picking up right where they left off, Chicago, IL under-the-radar, sprawling post-hardcore quartet Castevet deliver on every promise their jaw-dropping debut, Summer Fences, made. Less experimental, The Echo and the Light hones the strengths that were still burgeoning last time, like tightening up structures to reveal stellar guitar work. Impressive is an understatement ― the near-symphonic, six-stringed, plucked melodies in "Six Parts Summer" and "Narrow Hallways" are truly inspired, and it's difficult to pull yourself out of the spirited moment to appreciate the technical and creative capacity at work. The lush, progressive soundscapes are scaled back a bit and though they were an impressive part of the overall package, the focused writing and performance have allowed the band to thrash out a couple more thick-throated bangers like "Midwest Values" and "Bike Notes," both enthralling pop punk testaments that were but a tease last time. The Echo and the Light is full of life and passion, and is another important mark on Castevet's map.