If you think about it, Adult is a fitting title for a sophomore effort from Leeds noise quartet Blacklisters. Much like the title suggests, the album’s construction — from the riffs to the rhythm section, through the serious-sounding song titles — is a bit more grown up than its predecessor, Blklstrs. At times, though, that ends up being to the band’s detriment. Their once-volatile delivery gives way to longer, drawn-out rhythmic patterns that grow tiresome on repeat listens.

Blacklisters still manage to keep their explosive side intact in spots. “Cash Cow” and I Knock Myself Out” are the best examples here; both seethe with unbridled aggression as loud, blasting riffs rise above their driving bass lines. Billy Mason Wood’s vocals are colored with psychosis, and it’s a bit jarring listening to his transitions from screaming to maniacal spoken word. It’s mostly on these two tracks that the album shines brightest. Each one feels like a chance for the band exorcise their emotional demons, and they leave no stone unturned in doing so.

In contrast, much of the remainder of the album is more restrained. Quieter percussion, lumbering bass and spoken-word vocals all simmer in a powder keg with barely any chance to erupt. “Weasel Bastard” lies dormant with the same, incessant bass riffs and drum patterns until its final moments, when guitarist Dan Beasley finally gets the ball rolling with a feedback-drenched solo. Later, a Shellac-inspired guitar riff saves “Dream Boat” from its otherwise meandering post-rock sound, but goes on for too long and ends up feeling repetitive. Going beyond the music, the album’s even missing the absurd, verbose song titles that helped make their debut so loud, obnoxious and fun. (I guess It’s harder to work in titles like “Ask Yourself a Question if the Answer is Go Fuck Yourself” on a more even-headed effort like Adult.)

In most cases, as bands release more material, their sound inevitably matures and evolves along the way. Unfortunately, the somewhat-subdued version of Blacklisters that we get on Adult simply can’t hold a candle to the more angular, in-your-face approach of their debut. Regardless, take a listen below.

– Josh

Adult will be available October 16 on Handshake Inc. For more information on Blacklisters visit the band’s official website.