As Tall As Lions returns with an album that is so rich in musical flavor, it’s unreal. Taking three years from their sophomore self-titled release, the band has re-discovered a certain degree of grit to their songs. You Can’t Take It With You builds a bond between the humanistic nature of the group and one exceptional studio recording.

From the opener “Circles,” it not only gives us an idea of where they left off, but sets us up with what is to be expected from the majority of this album — gripping power rock expressionism that will simply blow you away.

The Beach Boys-like harmony — if the Beach Boys listened to Lenny Kravitz’ Are You Gonna Go My Way — blends flawlessly with Daniel Nigro’s rich vocal range to create a wide landscape of musical vérité.

“In Case Of Rapture” feeds off of a brooding drum beat and wailing Nigro wrapped around guitar feedback. “Duermerte” is a beautiful ballad that rubs like silk. Then there is the title track that is a seductive adventure of expensive cologne and Hollywood hills designer one-night stands. But As Tall As Lions are from New York City, and the city is as much a cause as it is an effect.

Even though the closing songs are more exploratory than the beginning, drifting away from the overall theme the band establishes, this is the way an indie rock album should be – full of life and expression with a solid sound.

As Tall As Lions