The Oxygen Ponies second album sees Brooklyn's Paul Megna introducing some special guests, most notably Ben Trokan (Robbers on High Street), Nick Stumpf (French Kicks) and Joe Bennett (Goldrush), and treading into new territory, giving up the lo-fi autobiographical melancholy of his critically acclaimed debut for a richer, multi-textured soundscape. Strings, horns, and backing vocals abound as Megna pulls out all the stops and sardonically attacts corporate America on this politically charged and ironic follow-up co-produced by Megna and Don Piper.

Harmony Handgrenade is sexy and immediate, lyrically intoxicating, and musically loose yet still maintains the intimate whiskey-soaked vocals of the Oxygen Ponies debut. Songs like the poignant "Fevered Cyclone" and the sensual "Love Yr Way" to other instant hits "The War Is Over" and the gospel-tinged "Grab Yr Gun" showcase a songwriter at the top of his craft.

Simply put, Harmony Handgrenade is all about disenchantment, but somehow it remains uplifting. Megna's songs are a constant tug-of-war, reaching unexpected crescendos and spiralling down on a tightrope of oblivion, yet they never lose their balance. It's post-apocalyptic without being melodramatic or self-indulgent. It's matter of fact, chastened, jaded but hopeful - just like Megna himself. And it's that hopefulness which makes this record so compelling. And so timely.