In a climate where artists no longer blink at the idea of tossing upwards of 20 tracks on their albums, Seratones’ sophomore effort stands out for its lean selection of material that impressively blends soul with gritty rock. Recorded with a new guitarist (Travis Stewart) and the addition of keys (Tyran Coker), Power’s 10 tracks are expertly arranged and satisfyingly varied. In a collaboration made possible by Seratones’ new recording label New West, the Shreveport, Louisiana five-piece recorded Power with Bradley Shultz (Cage the Elephant), who also produced the album’s titular single.

The first five songs fly by in a splendid blur powered by A.J. Haynes’ arresting, gospel-trained vocals. Album opener “Fear,” a tune that looks at struggling through everyday life with feelings of depression, pays homage to the ’60s girl-group sound. Then, on the up-tempo, anthemic title track, Haynes’ lyrics address civil rights and female empowerment: “We take two steps forward/They take one step backward/We take each step ’cause we have the power.” The band dedicated the song to Hope Medical Group for Women, an abortion clinic in Shreveport—one of the last of its kind in Louisiana—where Haynes has worked since 2008. And the political stances don’t stop there: The excellent, fiery single “Gotta Get to Know Ya”—in which Haynes sings, “Take off all your cool if you wanna feel the heat/Feel the heat of my fire”—is really about the dread of climate change.

While I tend to favor Seratones’ more energetic joints, “Lie to My Face,” co-written by Shultz, is sublime in its somber bitterness. And after a similarly paced “Over You,” the slowed-down and sultry “Permission” is right on time with perfectly layered, syrupy vocals. There are lots of other highlights, including “Heart Attack,” album closer “Cross Fire,” and the last stretch of “Sad Boi,” which offers just one great example of Haynes’ stellar range and vibrato. Power is the kind of album that does just enough to satiate, but still leaves you thirsty for more from the band. That’s what their live show is for.