Divisionary

Ages and Ages have changed as human beings since the carefree days of their 2011 debut, Alright You Restless. The group's lineup vacillates between six and nine members. But the amount of death and sickness that has recently surrounded the members is enough to wonder if they might be cursed. The losses of a mother, a father, a sister, three grandparents, and two dear friends—with causes ranging from freak accident to suicide to cancer—color the tone of “Calamity Is Overrated” and “These Ravines.” Yet the majority of songs here, though dealing with darkness, choose a brighter path musically. “Don’t you know you’re not the only one suffering?/Do the right thing” the ensemble sing on “Divisionary (Do the Right Thing),” and the gospel shouter turns into an uplifting call of unity. “Our Demons” works a similar power, with handclaps and vocal choir helping each other make it through the night. For truly bright moves, “Light Goes Out,” “I See More,” “Big Idea," and “The Weight Below” provide indelible hooks and a party atmosphere. “The weight we left behind/We’re all better off without it.” Indeed.