Germalien’s first collection of songs is a cohesive suite of synth-based compositions. Ranging from motorik to soulful to acid-drenched autotune, the Fort Wayne, Indiana two-piece maintains a consistent identity and conveys a singular vision.

The songs are melodic and lively, but are often more about establishing a baseline vibe and letting it flourish through repetition. This approach, and the frequent result, is similar to that of Butterfly 3000-era King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, notably the jubilant “Dance with You.” Opener “Super Megalithic Flora” also borrows from the KGLW blueprint, but imposes Germalien’s own brand of lo-fi modesty in place of the Gizz’s typical bombast.

Hints of influences arise and dissipate across the album. A couple of the slower songs have a rootsy undertone a-las My Morning Jacket (“Eternity in Two”) or Sturgill Simpson sans twang (“Comin’ Hot”). Album standout “Right on Time” kind of sounds like Julian Casablancas covering Yo La Tengo’s “Autumn Sweater,” which is also something I’d like to hear.

The production tends toward the mids at the expense of highs and lows. One of the reasons “Right on Time” hits so hard is because the backing tambourine introduces a new frequency, and the novelty is enough to perk the listener’s ears. (It’s a good song too.) While I enjoyed the instrumentation and arrangements, I did wonder if the songs wouldn’t be a tad more impactful with deeper lows, richer highs, and more dynamics with regard to the frequencies at play.

All of this bodes well for Germalien – the bones are solid, innovative, and appealing, the instincts are on point. As this band grows in the studio, their albums will appeal to more and more listeners, and I look forward to counting myself among them.