On their second full album, For Against showed that they weren’t simply excellent students of 1980s UK guitar-led postpunk and its air of energy, elegance and power, but absolutely the equals of some of their teachers. Bassist/vocalist Jeff Runnings was in literally excellent voice, his sweet higher tones riding the overall flow of the songs right from the start, all with an air of intense feelings without having to strain for them. (It’s a slight stretch to say he was the US equivalent of his contemporary Patrick Fitzgerald of Kitchens of Distinction, but even without being as direct in his lyrics here, it’s a testament to both strong songwriting and real emotion.) Matched by Harry Dingman’s energetic and clean way around guitar and Greg Hill’s crisp drumming, it’s song for song a simply stellar showcase for the trio, whether the opening beats of “Sabres,” the title track’s ominous intensity, “The Effect”’s striking slower swing, “They Said”’s delicious melancholia,  Hearing the full band shift into a truly elegant bridge on “Stranded in Greenland” is pure sonic pleasure, and it’s just one remarkable highlight from December.