Ash & Ice

Insidious synths light up the Anglo-American duo’s spry fifth record. The Anglo half—Jamie Hince—sought solace in synths and electronica after a gnarly time with the tendons in his left hand left him questioning his guitar-playing future. This enforced sonic detour has rejuvenated his band. “Doing It to Death” melds the pair’s trademark lascivious guitars and fevered Alison Mosshart vocal with spare and hypnotic beats, the writhing “Days of Why and How” has dancehall inflections, while “Impossible Tracks” is an exultant gospel guitar blowout.