Mindful noise-rock group, Geronimo!, returns with a new album this week, and thus a new chapter is marked in their modern tales of epic bombast-ery. On Exanimate, the affable trio’s second full-length release, the guys refuse to hold back, brazen in duplicitous use of their utterly measured and raw musical tendencies. Of course, given that the material sounds a bit like typical post-prog-pop fare (say that 5 times fast), there’s naturally a lot of information to take in here… and really, a lot to like. Here are some heady peeps that aren’t exactly subtle about wanting to try shit. Why, one can almost imagine how it all goes down… -- THE SCENE -- Three laid back dudes adorning instruments and poised for “rawk” in their democratically peaceful circle of trust. Maybe some beers are popped? Mayhap a little cat wanders in? All the while, each bro churns out idea after idea -- tiny little globules of invention to be slapped and glued together. Then, BAM! It’s the post-cat-petting end of practice and they’ve got a brand new song chalk-full of undiminished personal touches! (I’m totally kidding you guys; it’s a poor hypothesis. Or is it?) Yes, Geronimo! certainly ain’t afraid-a-no song progressions (wags finger), and they’re perfectly happy to ride the momentum wherever it takes them. It’s a wild, entertaining and perhaps somewhat unfocused journey. Yet, it’s hard to fault the guys, when existing at the core of things are (gasp!) some really well written songs. This isn’t a band that needs to cover up its lack of songwriting skills with sonic razzle-dazzle. Sure, there’s accouterment, but its all just dressed up subtext. The main course is the melody and it turns out their skills stink of authenticity. Beginning with the watery “Downtown Pulse”, the trio hits an early peak while also working to fashion the fundamental “Exanimate Blueprint”. It’s self-aware, bold, and like most of the tracks here, pretty catchy to the ears. “I wanna be on the scene!!” yelps (vocalist/guitarist) Kelly Johnson, and we’re right there with him, one-armed fist pumping like Soviets in an 80’s-era discotheque. The onward thrust remains true for the entire duration, each track lending forth reflected versions of the tried-and-true Geronimo! motif. It’s those cool and shimmery guitars and their fuzzed out transmutations. It’s those yearning vocals, restrained, but forever on the verge of a scream. The one big shake-up comes at track five in the form of unforeseen space-ballad, “Please Come Over”, a surprisingly emotive addition to what is otherwise a very driving post-rock album. Other highlights include the propulsive “Into the Sun” and the grooving hi-hat stomp of “Fluxxed”. No bones about it, Geronimo! has the right chemistry and trappings for success and Exanimate stands as the best version of themselves to date. Purchase Exanimate on vinyl or digitally right now at Geronimo!'s Bandcamp.