Pop can bring a lot of negative images to mind, from Top-40 music with a few riffs to full bands that sound like one producer. No preconceived notions hold a candle to Generationals, who’ve been polishing their combination of EDM, new wave and indie rock for the past 10 years. The duo of Ted Joyner and Grant Widmer spent half of that time releasing one-off singles, honing their songwriting within these mini concepts. It was time well spent, as the band’s first full-length album in five years infuses that maturity into inventive production, a classic sound toolkit and memorable hooks. The distinction between rock and pop becomes a nonissue as Reader As Detective kicks into high gear.

On the subject of singles, the three in support of this album capture exactly what distinguishes Generationals from contemporaries. “I Turned My Back on the Written Word” is bookended by an inexplicable vocal sample, but it ends up fitting in perfectly with the sharp beat, well-placed guitar licks, staccato piano hits and even pan-flute samples.

It’s to Joyner’s and Widmer’s credit that they can fit simple, catchy vocal hooks into such a unique backdrop, but “Breaking Your Silence” relies on droning synths and a straightforward drum and bass groove. This leaves room for the chorus to explode with euphoric vocal melodies and surprisingly involved rhythmic patterns. It shares downbeat-driven synth underpinnings with “Gatekeeper,” which emphasizes a thumping bass line, crashing drum fills and surf-rock guitar strains. On one hand, Generationals’ material recalls every ‘80s movie’s opening song, but they have much more going for them than vying for a spot on the Stranger Things soundtrack.

The pulsing synths and echoing singing of opener “I’ve Been Wrong Before” bring a less creepy John Carpenter to mind, but the drums, bass and guitar bring a grungy garage rock vibe. Similarly, the rousing synthetic vocalizations of “Deadbeat Shiver” would fit in perfectly at Coachella, but there’s a solid foundation of acoustic guitar to keep the song’s quirks rooted in real instrumentation.

“Xeno Bobby” uses vocal samples reminiscent of a mid-tempo take on modern EDM, but the actual song sounds more like British invasion pop. Its fat beat and plodding electric piano chords are the sign of a band writing songs, not trying to become the next Chainsmokers. While it’s easy to get lost in with Generationals’ arrangements, there’s a lot to unpack.

“A List of the Virtues” doesn’t use syncopated synth leads and powerful drum loops to appeal to the past. Rather, the duo intuitively uses these familiar sounds to create a robust, multifaceted soundscape. Reader As Detective is consistently chooses a surprising directions. “Society of Winners” provides a melodic bass line, and shimmering chimes with guitar accenting the upbeats. It almost takes on a dub quality, but the song is still jangle-pop at its core, complete with a distorted vocal filter that brings the likes of Unknown Mortal Orchestra to mind.

Generationals strike a perfect balance of modern and retro sonics. While the actual sound of the drums and synth on “Save This For Never” has a distinct ‘80s new wave feel, the actual execution is more akin to contemporary art-pop and lo-fi indie rock. This allows the guitars to evolve into a janky riff without overtaking glitzy keys and dance-rock rhythm structure. Closer “Dream Box” even has a children’s choir singing over organ drones, before dropping into a groove with aspects of both  electro-funk and Caribbean rhythm. Steel drums and auxiliary percussion round off this solid end to a solid album.

Generationals chose their name partly as a commentary on generation gaps—between which their music builds bridges. So many bands try to update ‘80s pop music to disastrous results, but they have managed to incorporate those timeless sounds into fun, catchy rock songs.

Follow editor Max Heilman at Twitter.com/madmaxx1995 and Instagram.com/maxlikessound.