Since its formation, Austin, Texas sextuplet And You Will Know us by the Trail of Dead have released six studio albums, which have been hallmarked by thought provoking lyrical themes, intriguing arrangements, and live performances bursting with energy.

                The band’s latest effort, “The Century of Self” is no exception. Trail of Dead has bounced back from its vaguely My Chemical Romance-sounding So Divided and delivered us tracks like “Isis Unveiled,” and “Far Pavilions” which leads you to believe that the band has returned to its much beloved art-rock style, with synthesizers and piano hits hidden behind the ever-present melodic guitar lines.

                The energy behind the opening tracks carries the first half of the album, and these tracks are among some of the best the band has ever produced. The magic of these tracks lies in the fact that the band can pack massive guitar lines, operatic vocals, organs, synthesizers and a plethora of sound effects to its music without ever once sounding overdone. All of these things are arranged in such a way that the songs are simply fun to listen to, rather than a chore, as it probably would be with any other group.

                Sadly, there’s a second side to every coin. The only problem with this latest effort by Trail of Dead is that the group simply can’t keep the same kind of energy going through the 54 minute album. After the end of four minute, eight second “Inland Sea,” the album seems to lose its spark. Musically, the tracks are very good, but something about them is harder to listen to, like a college lecture that is very interesting, but you’re just too tired of sitting there to care anymore. “Insatiable” One and Two could have been done without entirely, and the too-brief and underwhelming “An August Theme” seems to have been thrown in as an afterthought, or to add a few seconds to the running time of the album.

Thankfully, there are two outstanding exceptions: “Ascending,” an up-tempo dual vocal powerhouse is another hail to the bands earlier days, and is a song you’ll be humming for weeks on end. In addition, the ballad “Luna Park” is something different entirely. Smooth n’ smarmy is what I’d call this one, but it’s a remarkably pretty song that’s almost fit for a falling-in-love montage in one of the latest Hollywood films.

Despite its few shortcomings, The Century of Self is an excellent progressive rock album, and certainly deserves some indie cred for its synthesizers, interesting instruments and arrangements, and intriguing lyrics.  

Score: 7/10 for a great first half with high energy and catchy songs, but with a relatively underwhelming second half.