Wesleyan-grown band Almonds and Elephants has stampeded the campus music scene this semester. The two-piece band has played a number of shows (including opening for two well-known non-Wesleyan bands, Xiu Xiu and Bear in Heaven) and released four albums so far. The latest of these offerings is Ablumblatt, a six-track album that clocks in at around 18 minutes. Although the band uses similar instrumentation as they did on their last album, they’ve also taken on a more experimental vibe with the addition of electronic instruments.

The album begins with “Lovin,” a folksy song that opens with guitar and harmonica. The song’s overall feel is reminiscent of two tracks from the band’s last album, Coissant: “Flea and the Professor” and “Breakfast Song.” However, the bridge of “Lovin” introduces the more experimental sound that is featured in Ablumblatt. Its chill yet upbeat nature creates an excellent opening track that piques the listener’s interest for the rest of the album.

The song “Pikipiki,” has more of a pop influence, perhaps what it might sound like if Almonds and Elephants played Ben Folds’ music. Although it’s a strong track, it doesn’t have anything memorable about it.

Almonds and Elephants returns to their folk roots in the third song of the album, “Sleepin.” In my opinion, this is the strongest track on the album because of the interspersing of atmospheric sections within a general folk sound. High piano notes mixed with horn create an atmosphere that sets this tune above the others. These horns have a beautiful sound under the piano that makes this song worth listening to over and over again simply to try and understand the intricacies of the parts.

The final song, “Travelin,” like “Lovin,” has a very simple folk feel that remains true to the nature of the group. The most notable aspect of this song is the inclusion of harmonica and saxophone as featured instruments. The saxophone, while not typically used in folk music, fits in well on this song. “Travelin” is definitely the most unique song that Almonds and Elephants has ever released. The instrumentation is entirely electronic, except for the drums. The song has an upbeat yet slightly dark feel that creates a cool, different sound.

Ablumblatt as an album is an absolute success for Almonds and Elephants. They explored new sounds and developed old ones, as well as having become an overall tighter group in the six months since Coissant was released. The album’s lyrics, which make the listener think as they groove to the great sounds, are noteworthy as well.

Ablumblatt, as well as the Almonds and Elephants’ other studio album and two live albums, are available on the band’s website.