Laarks at the House of Rock.

It's been over three and a half years since we heard Laarks' debut album, An Exaltation of Laarks and that's a long wait for new music from Eau Claire's premiere indie rockers. The four-piece has spent that time meticulously working on their new record Fiat Lux that whole time and the results seem worth it.

Laarks released Fiat Lux this morning as a digital download, available now on their Bandcamp. After a first listen, this is certainly not the same Laarks that made the bright pop-rock you find on Exaltation. Starting with opener "Lost," the new album has much more of a bite, a gritty determination that runs throughout. That's not to say it isn't catchy, it just hits with more of a punch (or tug of the heartstrings) than most indie rock.

Much of that grit comes from the production. The album – produced by drummer Brian Moen – often feels like it is perfectly teetering on the edge of falling apart, with reverbed organs and guitars and Moen's signaturely sporadic percussion which adds to the maturity and bite that shines throughout the album – and adds to the payoff after a long wait.

If you have questions about the record, tonight's the perfect time to ask. From 6:30-8pm (Tuesday, May 28), Volume One will be hosting a listening party with members of Laarks at The Local Store (205 N. Dewey St.). The night will kick-off with a screening of the band's music video (or maybe more appropriately, short film) featuring album closer "The Human Abstract," followed by Fiat Lux in its entirety.