For LTTRS, every album unlocks a new realm. On their second full-length, Worlds We Roam, the Bremerton, Washington, quartet—Zander Grey [vocals, guitar], Tra Milburn [guitar], Clint Kephart [drums], and Matt Melanson [bass]—soundtrack 12 lyrical stories inspired by iconic DC Comics heroes and villains with a delicate balance of progressive adventurousness, alternative energy, and ambient atmospherics. A spirit of creative wanderlust drives the group to forge this striking singular style.

“We wanted to name this particular album Worlds We Roam, as we are venturing into new territories—whether it be touring to new places, meeting new people, or discovering ourselves as what we are now,” says Zander. “This is what we want for the rest of our musical career. This album is a big step in our growth.”

Evolution is the operative word for LTTRS. Formed in 2011, after Tra watched Zander perform at an open mic, the quartet released its first offering Weekend on Jupiter, in 2013, followed by the Supernova EP a year later. Building up a fervent local following, the band received attention from outlets such as Seattle Weekly, Invisible Friend Productions, and more. Recorded over the course of 2015, Worlds We Roam expands their lush sonic palette and sees them collaborate with MxPx’s Mike Herrera on the hypnotic “Legacy,” and Jesse Lawson [ex-Sleeping with Sirens] for the first single “Frances.”

The latter introduces the album with a sweeping chorus, warm guitars, a driving rhythm, and a scorching vocal cameo from Jesse. It also pays homage to the Joker’s flame, Harley Quinn.

“Her middle name is Frances,” continues Zander. “The song is about her obsession with the Joker. I try to relate a lot of the songs to my life. I love to tell stories through our words. On a deeper level, the song discusses how sometimes we can’t help but be obsessed with something we love, something we really need or want. It’s those constant inner fights we all have.”

The driving opener, “Man of Tomorrow,” follows the character Vandal Savage, while the entrancing and engaging “Magic Confidence Man” analyzes the psychological powers of John Constantine and Doctor Fate. It’s a vision of the DC-verse you’ve never heard.

“We wanted to do a concept album from the beginning,” the frontman adds. “When we started writing, DC was making movies and better comics for their fans, and we got inspired. The album is a personal take on the characters we love. Hopefully, we do them justice.”