Since Animal Collective’s “Merriweather Post Pavilion” gained almost unanimous critical acclaim last year, the doors have been opened for albums like Yeasayer’s sophomore release, “Odd Blood.” With heavy tribal percussion paired with synthesizer sounds and strong vocals, Yeasayer is prepared for the national stage.

The first single, “Ambling Alp,” stands as the best track on the album and one of the best of the year so far. With wild percussion and catchy pop hooks, the song inspires listeners to get up and move.

The weakest aspects of “Odd Blood” are also the strangest. The weird, Far Eastern twangs and pulsing sounds on “Strange Reunions” add spice but fall flat compared to other tracks on the first half of the record.

“Odd Blood” shows the best of  Yeasayer. It uses its pop chops and understanding of rhythm. Yeasayer is coming into its prime, and “Odd Blood” is just a taste of what it is capable of.