Scrunchies’ sophomore album is a brash and dissonant experience, and I love it. “The Houseplant” kicks off proceedings with an insistent bass riff and harsh vocals before igniting into a rampant joyride. Without sounding pejorative, Scrunchies sounds loose and reckless at times, the exact traits that made me fall for this almost immediately. Despite the sometimes relaxed quality, the songs hit hard, leaving me wide-eyed and legless as they methodically drive themselves home into my head. It’s a combination of noise rock, post-punk and punk, all skillfully blended together. This gets better and better with each listen. –Rich Cocksedge (Dirtnap, [email protected], dirtnaprecs.com)