The pressure to live up to a fantastic debut album can overwhelm many bands, there’s a reason for the sophomore slump. But for Eric Burton and Adrian Quesada, who perform together as Black Pumas, the pressure crystallized their focus for what they told NME, “feels more like a second debut.”

Chronicles of a Diamond sounds like an excavation and exploration from two experts in their field. It’s full of jubilant strings, jumping horns, and vigorous guitar riffs. Mixing gospel, R&B, soul, and funk to create something that’s far more than the sum of its parts.

This does feel like an introduction to a new band, or maybe underlines that Black Pumas are a band willing to undergo change. Listen along to Chronicles of a Diamond, The Current’s Album of the Week.