This is rumoured to be Conor Oberst's last album under the Bright Eyes alias, but having declared himself "really burnt out on that rootsy Americana shit", he's going out with a bang of effervescent pop. Some of the subject matter may be far out – there are nods to reptilian overlords, and the album is bookended by the cosmic ramblings of Texan musician Denny Brewer – but sonically the record couldn't be more immediate. On the sparkling "Jejune Stars", Oberst sings of kissing "as the band marched and everything fell into line" – a feeling that runs through this brilliant record.