Reverent of their influencers. Authentic to their craft. The Great Upset, a five piece Minneapolis band, announces the release of a sophomore album that is wholly original, yet warmly familiar. Layering delicate vocals (by leads Bart Phillips and Jeromy Darling) atop a nest of anarchic rhythm (by percussionist Matt Terry and bassist Jason Roath) and strings (cellist Lucas Shogren), “The Coldest Kiss” coalesces around the musical acumen of its membership.

As a narrative, the album is a pronounced overture away from post-80′s ironic bombast, with strong hints of the inevitable resurgence of melodic neo-grunge. Echoes of Buckley and Cash are kept at arm’s length, commendable for a recording that features not one, but two acoustic guitarists. This album clearly eschews the ironic in favor of the sincere, with flights of musical fancy evoking Cloud Cult and Rachels.

Phillips and Darling alternate the vocal leads, bolstered by a lyrical transparency and spirituality that casts them as modern storytellers in the tradition of great folk artists. More than just stories, these songs represent an honest discussion between two men, their God, their experiences. Outstanding production by Darren Jackson (Kid Dakota/Hopefuls) and Steele Croswhite (Silvercrush) unifies these disparate elements into a seamless musical experience that deftly juxtaposes high-minded euphoria with gritty realism.

The end result is that rare thing, an album by a young band that possesses cohesion and nuance. More importantly, “The Coldest Kiss” gives you something worth listening to from start to finish.