I was right in thinking that By Lightning!’s dreamy, strange, indie-whatever brew is better live; after seeing them at Road to Bonnaroo (which they bagged) before listening to their LP, I was convinced it was music better for filling a venue than being condensed on a record. Whatever, though. Even recorded, Left Hand Right Hand is still an original and intricate collection of odd-pretty songs.

It isn’t that an excess of instruments are layered into the tracks, though the band has seven members to its name, but the heavy, whispery vocals paired with breezy, whimsical melodies certainly create a rich texture for Left Hand Right Hand.

Huge clattery beats, like on the opener “More Than Breeding,” randomly bring to mind Matt & Kim, which provide a backbone to the strummy, limber and bubbly melodies. Kat Brock’s voice is the epitome of tiredness in the blue and lackadaisical “Weather,” (which has a video created by Amelia Garretson Persans to go with it) and the jangly retro pop jaunt “Fancy Free” is perfection, encouraging a carefree spirit today because “tomorrow we may all be freaking out.” How true.

This record is sort of grand. Though it’s mellow, Left Hand Right Hand has a quality of needing to spread out and fill a huge room, or at least a nice outdoor tent which the band is likely destined for at this year’s Bonnaroo. With their quietly anthemic style, By Lightning! is kind of like a more sluggish Arcade Fire. But don’t take my word for it; check them out and prepare for their set at the ’Roo at http://www.bylightning.com/.