Screens differs from Forest Fire’s previous two albums so much that it sounds like a another band, which is partly true given the lineup change. But it’s more than that. It’s a profound creative shift from experimental indie-folk to songs built on bright synthesizers, gauzy vocals, and bouncy bass lines. Mark Thresher even sings differently, re-engineering his voice to snugly fit this synth-pop rebirth. Using the more adventurous aspects of Staring at the X as a starting point, Screens is coated with a glossy sheen. In contrast, the melodies are dreamy and subdued and always compelling, with a human touch that softens the brittle edges of the band's sound. The catchiest tunes sink in immediately: namely, the first three tracks plus “The Great Wall.” The rest take longer to fully emerge, yet they ultimately provide some of the finest moments, like the 11-minute workout “Annie.” Screens is a bold new direction for Forest Fire.