Stokeswood’s ‘2075’ is a multidimensional excursion

It is tempting to peg Stokeswood’s latest album as having a somewhat futuristic bent, based on the album’s title, 2075. The slick cityscape featured on the album's cover, basking in the shadow of the group's ubiquitous symbol, floating prominently over a giant sun, seems poised to devour the skyline below. Indeed, these seven songs give a nod to the future, but not without paying tribute to the here and now as well. The storytelling and elated musical flow of each song provides a sonic excursion through a holographic matrix, illustrating the power of time when one cannot escape their past, and the future holds nothing but disappointment.

This could come across as depressing, but songs such as “Our Streets,” “Bloody History,” and “Stop By” channel Stokeswood's charismatic energy, which is just as contagious on record as it is during its raging live shows.

The group creates song structures that carry a timeless and ethereal quality, merging electronic dance beats with post-punk synths, crisp rhythms, and vocals that capture a mix of soulful musical stylings from alt/indie rock’s past. The album’s title track draws listeners back to the groovy future, before “Our Streets" sweeps in with its infectious interplay between an electro melody and a ruthless rhythm section. The album takes a deep breath and sucks you in completely with the impassioned ballad, "Forget." Now that you're hooked, Stokeswood let's you shake it off through the haunting hooks in “Current,” “Paperweight,” and the explosive intensity of “Bloody History." “Stop By” is an extended dance track to remind you that no matter what dimension of time in which you indulge, you're doing fine.

★★★★☆

Stokeswood celebrates an album release party with Jungol and Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun on Fri., June 19. $10. 8 p.m. Terminal West, 887 West Marietta, Studio C. 404-876-5566. www.terminalwestatl.com.