The old adage "never judge a book by its covers" couldn't be more fitting when it comes to HEALTH's Get Color, a record that I initially (and rather unfairly) aligned with the overhyped, hipster-approved gobbledygook we're accustomed to these days thanks to the blogosphere.

The L.A.-based band has thankfully torn my preconceived notions asunder as their sophomore effort distills a sound that's equal parts industrial, noisy and hypnotic, in effect spurring me to revisit their 2007 debut to hear where it all began. On Get Color, though, the frenetic impulses from two years back have been carefully tempered, the percussive backbone more sharply honed and the ear-bleeding textures more cleverly implemented . Leadoff single "Die Slow," arguably the catchiest track on the record, shuffles along with jagged synth lines, buzzsaw LFO manipulations and frontman Jacob Duzsik's soft, androgynous vocal padding. Tribal drumming, meanwhile, rushes to the forefront on "Nice Girls," which despite its aggressive underpinnings, comes off as dreamlike while "Severin" serves up propulsive Ministry-like thumping that's delicately balanced with serrated guitar squall ala My Bloody Valentine.

Unlike the hippy-dippy vibe conveyed by artier noiseniks Animal Collective, HEALTH are propelled by nihilistic tendencies that find them in more suitable company like Einsturzende Neubauten, Liars and Boredoms. Having gained major attention with their opening slot on one of NIN's last tours, HEALTH has taught me to never underestimate Trent Reznor's musical tastes again.