The Apparitions’s debut Oxygen Think Tank carried a hazy, dream-like quality throughout complementing the group’s name as well as tracks with titles including "Good Nightmares". On the quintet’s new album As This Is Futuristic the band shows off an enhanced mastery of pop sensibilities while maintaining that slight hint of eeriness that sets them apart from most bands.

I can’t quite pinpoint what makes opening track "Electricity + Drums" undeniably addictive, but upon my first listen I could only think, "Wow, this isn’t The Apparitions I remember from a few years ago." The song, and the rest of As This Is Futuristic, is invigorated by a refreshing energy not consistently present on the more subdued/muted Oxygen Think Tank.

This isn’t meant to come off as an As This Is Futuristic is better than Oxygen Think Tank type of review; Oxygen Think Tank is a great album and The Apparitions aren’t completely reinventing themselves with this release. They still feature two distinct and appealing vocalists in Mark Heidinger and Robbie Roberts, well-crafted songs, and strong musical performances from all band members.

Although the tracks "Shapeshifters" and "Cemeteries" hint at the supernatural with their titles, "You Chirp Just Like Little Sparrows" and "Arrhythmia" remind me most of The Apparitions’s previous work where the previously mentioned "eerie" feel had more of a presence. That sense of mystery is still present throughout As This Is Futuristic, it’s just that now you’re more likely to be bobbing your head and tapping your foot as you venture forth into the unknown.