By Taylor Long

Among the anticipated albums that were set to release so far this year, one that has gotten more flak than it deserves is that of Austin, Tex. band …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead.

True, Worlds Apart, the follow up to 2002’s widely applauded Source Tags & Codes, is a deviation from previous work. The heavy, borderline hardcore sound that dominated some songs and randomly appeared in others has gone by the wayside. Worlds Apart is much more polished. Since the band’s grittiness is part of what many people loved, this was a daring move.

Instead, the group focuses more on the compositional aspects of music-and it shows. Just about anyone who has taken college-level music courses can pick up on the impressive arrangements found on Worlds Apart.

“Summer of ’91” is where the band’s metamorphosis first becomes apparent. It opens with a soothing piano melody that doesn’t get any support until a few minutes in. Even with rumbling timpani and crashing drums, it never gets as bombastic as fans might expect.

We are kicked into “The Rest Will Follow,” followed by the heavier “Caterwaul.” This organization is convenient, as these are the tracks most like anything the group has done before.

Sweeping orchestral and lush choral segments will appear, making the album feel like a big production, which has its benefits and drawbacks. Where this newfound love for composition really appears is in “Classic Arts Showcase,” which seems like just another catchy rock tune until the 2:49 and 2:59 minute marks, during which the song turns into a simple string-based melody with chanting.

Since the band messed around with composition so much, the album ended up being about the creative process in general. “Will You Smile Again?” is a tune that singer Conrad Keely said is about Brian Wilson and his struggle with Smile. He also claims that the haunting song “The Best” is about Michael Jackson. Keely doesn’t cut Jackson any slack, with lyrics like “From behind the halls we cannot pass / Hear the muffled traces of a boyish laugh / Hear the monster screaming ‘what have I become?’ / Before his looking-glass.”

While …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead’s newfound love for flashy composition will likely disappoint lots of old time fans, its polished sound and melodies may appeal to audiences that had been previously un-tapped.

The Chronicle gives ´Worlds Apart´, by …And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead four out of five stars.