As much as Refused, Radiohead, and Skrillex have conditioned us to think otherwise, there’s no reason to rip up the rule book every time you make a record.

With that in mind, Absolute Truth by Softess is loaded with moments that seem to nod to the past.

The driving, atonal guitars on “Minor Meltdown” suggest Sonic Youth at its gooiest; “Trash Lord” finds the missing link between Scratch Acid and Bikini Kill; and “Mystic Eye” does ’80s postpunk with enough angst and gloom to appease those who own every album released on Dutch East India Trading.

Yes, you’ve heard it before, but let’s be honest: it’s been years since you’ve heard it done this well.