CD of The Week

Wow, new music from The Rapture. Well, it has been a while. We haven't heard from them since 2008's "No Sex For Ben," from the Grand Theft Auto IV soundtrack. (And come on, their last full-length dropped in 2006.) But it's nice to have them back with In the Grace of Your Love, which is a solid release that feels a little different, yet entirely familiar.

The band's jagged Gang of Four-inspired sound gets an update with heavier use of synths and a more melodic, disco-oriented feel. Songs like "Come Back to Me," "Never Die Again," and "How Deep Is Your Love?" wouldn't be out of place, say, on a Hercules And Love Affair record. The former particularly is a showcase for frontman Luke Jenner, possibly one of his best vocal performances, though the slower, elegant "It Takes Time to Be a Man" isn't far behind.

The crashing percussion and cacophony of noise that characterizes The Rapture is still in effect, though dialed down, as in leadoff track "Sail Away" and "Children," and it isn't really a short line to draw from "Gotta Get Myself Into It" to much of this album, but it's a satisfying stretch nonetheless. In the Grace of Your Love is a welcome effort from the returning Rapture, one that shouldn't find any trouble getting everyone on the floor.