The Great Barrier Reefs are back again with their third full-length instrumental album, Are You Scared?!, and if this Middle Tennessee band has mastered one thing it’s this: how to make smooth jazz with a tropical flair.

Of course, they’ve had some time to hone their craft—all five members studied at MTSU and have been playing shows across the Southeast since forming in 2009.

Led by frontman Tony Hartman on steel pan, percussion and keyboards, the five-piece jazz-funk outfit also includes Josh Dunlap on saxophone, guitar by BJ Golden, Taylor Lonardo on bass and Rick Wilkerson on drums. As a group, they infuse each song with funk-informed rhythms and spot-on jazz harmonies, all while incorporating world music elements and Latin vibes.

The upbeat island-jazz title track is a strong start to the album, quickly giving the listener a taste of what’s in store. The song takes its time trailing into the next, but the pace is picked up again by the opening notes of “CB Radio.” Things don’t begin slowing down until “Never Heard of Em,” a smoother track that showcases the musical detail of each instrument.

The island native steel pan drum featured throughout the album isn’t the only thing that makes this band unique, but it is what give the Reefs their unique vibe. The saxophone also gives the band a little edge, and it never comes off as overbearing.

Clear standouts include “Castilla,” “No One Wants to Wait, But Sometimes You Have to Anyway” and the closing cut, “Couch Sleeper,” which shows off some impressive guitar work.

Is it safe to say Are You Scared?! is The Great Barrier Reefs’ best work to date? I’d say so. It’s certainly a necessity for jazz lovers or for those who wish to make a tropical melodic escape during the frigid months to come.

For more info on the band, visit thegreatbarrierreefs.com.