Bad Books, the collaborative effort of Kevin Devine and Manchester Orchestra, released its second studio album. The front-runners of the indie-rock scene couldn’t have picked a better month to debut their creative efforts. The changing of the seasons pairs wonderfully with the group’s ambient, hazy melodies. The first album single “Forest Whitaker” is undeniably catchy and adds synth action that was absent from the first album. The band displays incredible variety, being able to master both slow ballads as well as upbeat toe-tapping tunes. This most likely stems from the spectrum of instruments the band incorporates, including expert percussion, guitar, acoustic and otherwise, along with keyboard and piano elements. Everything about this album is pure audio bliss – the vocals, the lyrics and the instrumentals. Catch this supergroup at The Parish at House of Blues New Orleans on Oct. 16.

Grade: A+