With the release of their blistering and urgent, self-titled EP, the Louisville, KY-based quartet White Reaper quickly received national attention — and after a number of tours with nationally renowned acts like Deerhoof, Young Widows, Priests and others, the quartet built upon the early buzz they received by recording and releasing their hook-laden, breakneck, full-length effort White Reaper Does It Again, which Polyvinyl Records released to critical praise two years ago. After touring to support their critically praised full-length debut, the band seemed disappeared for a bit; however as it turns out, the band had gone into the studio to write and record the material that would comprise their highly-anticipated, forthcoming sophomore effort The World’s Best American Band, which Polyvinyl Records on April 7, 2017. And from the album’s first single “Judy French,” the single reveals a decided change in sonic direction as the song leans heavily towards New Wave and prog rock — to my ears, the song reminds me quite a bit of The Cars “You Might Think” and Moving Pictures-era Rush; but with a garage punk sneer. Interestingly, the band has retained their ability to craft tight and anthemic hooks paired with earnest, swooning sentiment.