It has become that all-encompassing phrase to describe music that is slightly out in left field, much like how the phrases “Alternative,” “New Wave” and “College Rock” were in the past. The fact it is used to describe so much music can sometimes give off the wrong impression and draw unfair comparisons.

The point trying to be made here is that when I say Au’s newest release is “Indie Pop,” it is only that by the strictest definition and would actually be better represented by some 10-word-long, multi-genre name.

“Both Lights,” the newest album from the Portland-based band Au (pronounced "Ay-You"), instantly shatters most preconceived notions of genre within the first seconds of the album opener, “Epic.”

Insanely virtuoso Hard Bop-influenced breakbeat drumming violate the first couple seconds until the thick wall of noise proceeds to shred over it, sounding like some Frankenstein’s Monster of organ, guitar and saxophone.

“Both Lights” is a ball of chaos dipped in talent. Led by classically trained pianist Luke Wyland, almost every track off this album showcases the band’s sick chops. Influences are swapped out on the fly, switching between a Psycho-Folk sound on “Get Alive” to the half-Jazz/half-New Wave lead single “Solid Gold” at speeds that might make you feel the need to buckle up.

Still, the experimentation never feels uninviting. The variety leads to intrigue instead of confusion; Wyland has the talent to perform odd music without creating alienating tunes.

For example, the song “OJ” starts out with layering of peculiar-sounding keyboards, and with each new layer, the desire to know more deepens.

Wait, is this going to end up sounding like vintage House? Was that keyboard exchange a hint at Baggy influences? The presentation is an exciting and unique experience.

This album doesn’t always stay at high-energy progressiveness. The track right after “OJ,” “The Veil,” is a 4-plus minute long slow and passionate piano track. No crazy genre-guessing, no eclectic music progressions, just good clean music.

However, about a third of the way through the album, Au does have a couple missteps. The filler song “Today/Tonight” doesn’t really bring anything to the table, and the following track “Why I Must” can be a little too much at times with its crazy, flying-off-the-walls conglomeration of noise.

The experimental polish that almost all the other tracks have seem quite lost on “Why I Must,” as it still can be enjoyable here and there but can also come off sounding like an Avant-Garde, high-flying carnival of random progressions.

In the end, “Both Lights” is a passionate trip through music, hitting both crazed highs of sweeping talent and somber lows of hard-hitting emotion. The progressive nature of the music is executed in a way to entice and captivate the listener, not turn them away with pretentious music wankery. Despite the somewhat Avant-Garde sounds, Au’s “Both Lights” comes off as an entertaining and surprisingly easy listen.

Genre: Experimental Indie Pop/Progressive Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars