After not releasing any music since 2016’s “Lake Superior,” the American indie-rock band The Arcs have re-entered the scene with a bang. Comprised of lead Dan Auerbach, Leon Michels, Homer Steinweiss, Nick Moshvon, and the late Richard Swift, the band has recently found a fresh audience in their new work. The new album from the group, “Electrophonic Chronic,” features elements of soft rock, indie, and alternative style, in a touching tribute to their late vocalist Richard Smith who passed away in 2018. Singer-songwriter-guitarist of the band Dan Auberach says, “This new album is all about honoring Swift. It’s a way for us to say goodbye to Swift, by revisiting him playing and laughing.” Although a substantial portion of the album was crafted before Swift’s untimely death, much of it was created in mourning and in respect to his legacy, which lets the album’s yearning, melancholy tone feel truly genuine and gut-wrenching. Sonically, the album is cohesive and warm, blending elements of electronic music with nostalgic, old-timey riffs and melodies. The guitar chords in track six’s “A Man Will Do Wrong” embody a sound that is reminiscent of 60s rock and roll – a style that has also recently been revived by artists such as Steven Sanchez and Suki Waterhouse. One notable track on the album is “Eyez,” a scrumptious, jazzy groove that coats desperately melancholy lyrics, in similar style to the rest of the album. The song has gained traction among fans of The Arcs’ past work because of its familiar and easygoing sound, while also attracting a new audience in Gen-Z fans of The Arcs’ contemporaries, who are now immersing themselves in their entire catalogue. Another noteworthy track is “Keep On Dreamin,’” which feels like being inside of a person slowly descending into insanity. With a monotonous, hopeless lyrical theme that quickly drills itself into your soul, similar to tracks like Mitski’s “Nobody.” I recommend the album to anyone who likes fun, melodic grooves without sacrificing devastatingly crafted lyrics.