Brooklyn-based art-rock group Bear In Heaven offers up its second full-length release with 2009’s Beast Rest Forth Mouth. The group, now streamlined to a quartet, has honed down its sound to create what should be hailed as one of the most innovative indie-rock records of the year. The sprawling psychedelia of previous efforts still defines the band’s sound, although it has been compressed and condensed into concise songs that toy with the idea of pop melodicism and structure. Fusing dance beats, Giorgio Moroder-style arpeggiated synths, taut post-punk guitars, swirling electronic ambience and singer Jon Philpot’s soaring vocal melodies, these songs pack a visceral punch while simultaneously teasing the brain like the best acid trip. Both catchy and experimental, Beast Rest Forth Mouth should appeal to fans of current avant-pop by the likes of Animal Collective and Gang Gang Dance. Highly recommended.