Like stylistic siblings The Mercury Tree and the Kayo Dot, Portland-based power trio Bangbakc assault listeners’ ears with highly energetic and sporadic bursts of brilliant dynamics. Colorful, complex, and superbly catchy, the band’s debut album, 2014’s “echocomplexities,” was an exceptional collection of hyperactive post-rock and noisy flights of fancy, with momentous musicianship infectious hooks scattered throughout. Arriving a year later, the group’s sophomore effort, “Lot Lizards,” offers a substantially different approach. Although it’s not as hypnotically accessible as “echocomplexities,” this new album is far more adventurous, imaginative, and surprising. In fact, it’s the most fearless and unique album I’ve heard this year.

The eleven minute “The Theme to Lot Lizards” kickstarts “Lot Lizards” like an auditory coma. Though I cannot tell with assurance who sings where on the album as all of the members are listed as vocalists, vocalist on the album opener roars with a sharp attitude whilst interjecting soulful harmonies. Meanwhile, the music jolts with a start/stop frenzy that’s too tremendous to ignore. The singer (no. 1) provides an impassioned melody for each wildly creative rhythmic shift, which vary between hectic, tranquil, and atmospheric. Best of all, this song proves to be one of the most inventive and unforeseen tracks I’ve heard all year.

The psyched-out guitar work is seductive, and the instrumentation on “Lot Lizards” veers more towards psychedelic swing than anything progressive. It bleeds into the equally exciting “Season 1: Things Feel Good Yeah” and its follow-up “Season 2: Scenes From My Tea Shop,” making for completely unexpected stylistic shifts. The latter in particular is like an outtake from a King Crimson record.

Further on, “Commercial Break: Smokin’ Joe’s Crab Attack” lives up to the zany awesomeness of its title. It’s luscious, multifarious, and wholly confident—especially considering it features the accordion, performed by Dave Willey.

The binary titled “010100010” is perhaps the most experimental piece on the album, and definitely one of the biggest highlights of “Lot Lizards.” “Echocomplexities Part II” features The Mercury Tree’s Ben Spees on keyboards and synths, and is a mathematically elegant piece with soaring vocals and tasteful melody.

“Lot Lizards” is so inimitable. Rarely have I been so impressed with the sheer nonconformity of an album. The again, it’s equally rare to find a modern band who strives so hard to set itself apart from the pack. Without a doubt, this one is special.

“Lot Lizards” is available from Bandcamp. You can follow Bangbakc on Facebook here.