It has been a decade since OK Go last released a full-length album, but their latest project, And the Adjacent Possible, revives the band’s signature sound while incorporating contemporary themes. Known for their elaborate music videos, the band now showcases a refined musical focus alongside their visual artistry.

Since their breakout with innovative visuals, including their famous treadmill performance for the song “Here It Goes Again,” OK Go has consistently evolved as a power-pop outfit. Their new album, a follow-up to 2014’s Hungry Ghosts, captures a blend of wonder and resignation that resonates deeply with today’s listeners.

One standout track, “A Stone Only Rolls Downhill,” merges breezy psych-pop sounds with a lyrical depth that expresses the struggle of optimism in tough times. The song conveys a contrast where the hopeful backing vocals stand in stark relief to lead singer Damian Kulash’s introspective musings about sincerity and well-being.

The album melds nostalgia with explorative pop sounds, as exemplified in tracks like “Fantasy Vs. Fantasy,” which is characterized by its romantic urgency and orchestral complexity. The song employs a climactic key change that emphasizes its emotive core.

Another track, “Take Me With You,” draws on funk influences and features a yearning plea that underscores the album’s thematic tension between surface-level coolness and deeper emotional struggles. Vibrant guitar riffs and a broad sonic palette create a rich listening experience underscored by layered instrumentation.

And the Adjacent Possible concludes with the poignant track “Don’t Give Up Now,” which offers solace to those facing significant challenges. Kulash mentioned in an interview with NME that the song was written for a close friend diagnosed with cancer, showcasing the band’s commitment to providing comfort through their music. The final piece evolves into a heartfelt, wordless conclusion, reinforcing community and support through shared musical expression.

OK Go’s And the Adjacent Possible not only represents a return after years away but also encapsulates a journey through the complexities of modern life. Blending their unique power-pop sensibilities with themes of nostalgia and present-day realities, the band continues to redefine their artistry while remaining relevant in today’s music landscape.