Transit’s erratic sound has smelted and cooled since last year’s breakthrough album, Keep This to Yourself. The overwhelmingly rushed pace of Transit’s previous releases is now poised as a balancing act of emotional aggression and quaint lead melodies. That’s not to say their live shows won’t bring that old-school rage. But on their new album, Listen & Forgive, the songs are crafted to purposely trigger emotions to coincide with their specific tones. From the first track, you’re strapped in and along for the ride.

The album starts off on a melodic groove with the opening track, “You Can’t Miss It.” It quickly soars with loopy melodies and light harmonies. If the track’s swift rhythm and smooth vocals don’t hint at the band’s updated dynamic, the pianos and light violins that usher in and compose the bridge will. Transit’s picked up a few tricks since their last record, and it shows. The band’s ability to create an aura of and around their music is exceptional for their unique sound. Tracks like “All Your Heart” and “Cutting Corners” create that moving melody that somehow crosses senses and can be pictured in your mind as it registers in your ears. From the crackles and pops on “Cutting Corners” to the high-pitch screeches on “All Your Heart,” Transit’s new tunes create feelings of wonderment or anxiety and antagonism. “All Your Heart” also features guest vocals from Patrick Stump; it’s a nice gesture since he adds another layer of melody and depth, as well as vocal power and prowess, to the song’s sound and lyrics.

Splitting the album in half is the acoustic number, “Skipping Stone.” This track best showcases Tim Landers’s improvement on vocals. His harmony with Joe Boynton is smooth, giving off a sound similar to Deryck Whibley of Sum 41 towards the chorus. The swaying rhythm behind the lead’s chiming arpeggios is a nice touch before venturing back into the second-half of the album. The next set of tracks is more experimental, playing with song structures and novel dance melodies. The dance track, “Don’t Make A Sound,” is a melodic masterpiece of foreign, computer-like tones and stunning arpeggios. The song’s skipping beat is surprising since the band has written some aggressively chomping rhythms, like on “Footwork.” But, this new style works beautifully. The reworked “1978” is reborn with fuller lead melodies, softer vocals, and a dancehall-like breakdown in the middle of the song.

Where Transit’s Keep This to Yourself album felt more angry and cynical, Listen & Forgive is more reminiscent on a bittersweet sound, a fitting tone for the record’s title. Boynton’s improvement on his vocals and lyrics show along with the rest of the band’s elevated musicianship. Signs of the group’s evolution were found on their Something Left Behind EP, but it’s not a stretch that the band’s growth might just be beginning. Listen & Forgive is in stores now.

★★★★.5/★★★★★

*This review was composed by Jose Terrero