What sophomore slump?

We all know about the sophomore slump. Expectations, the disease of more and other factors keep innovative bands from getting it right the second time around.

But despite early signs that Envy on the Coast was headed down that path — the departure of a drummer, letting three years elapse since its debut — the band’s sophomore release “Lowcountry” is exactly what a follow-up should be: expansive, more mature and a little challenging.

After one listen the comparisons to fellow East Coasters, Glassjaw, can be muted, as the band has created a potent combination of early Incubus and “Vheissu”-era Thrice, which is to say a number of the tracks here are fantastic.

Efforts like “Head First in the River” are combative, aggressive and a little bit funky, but just like on their debut, it’s when Envy on the Coast slows things down to a jam-like mid-tempo pace that they unleash their potential. “Puritan Dirt Song” and “Like I Do” breathe without being too slow or overheated.

The dirty, partially Americana sound on “Lowcountry” proves there is no sophomore slump here. Envy on the Coast is for real.