Golden Bear’s fourth LP, their first platter in five years, arts a silhouetted fetus in interstellar utero. Given the locals’ rebirth in sound, it’s the perfect art brand. Whereas the quartet previously boiled with big guitar hooks, they now slide into a synth-swathed groove accented by the addition of Kate Daniel to balance Chris Gregory on vocals. The result moves enticingly between MGMT and Steely Dan, opener “Let My Love Come Down” reverbing cosmically with a mellow build into a swaying chorus. Dimensional Place earworms as effectively on the dance floor as previous efforts riffed glam-pop, from the grittier “Spells” and punctuated pulse of “Telephone” to the suave “Whole Nuthr Level” that chills Queen’s “You’re My Best Friend” into even smoother Seventies sounds. Combined with a Spoon-ful of hard staccato rhythms (“Over & Over”) and sighing Air-y turns (“Big City Magic”), Golden Bear rears up triumphant.

***.5

This article appears in September 9 • 2016.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.