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The Los Angeles-based group HORSE the band made their Vagrant Records debut with “Desperate Living” Tuesday.

Often dubbed “Nintendo-core” by the occasional listener, the band takes a musical leap forward with its fourth full-length album.

The opening track, titled “Cloudwalker,” captures the intensity and raw emotion of the album. In just under five minutes, the band demonstrates their versatility by intertwining up-tempo melodies with powerful, slow moving sections.

Normally known for video game-influenced sound, HORSE the band ventures out in “Desperate Living.” Altogether, the music is more refined as the Southern California rockers articulate an increasingly cultured version of themselves.

The traditional eight-bit influenced noises are incorporated, but aren’t meant to carry the weight of each song. Instead, they serve to complement the introspective, and at times, cynical lyrics (listen to “Science Police”).

And the lyrics here deserve special mention. At times, they sound absurd and nonsensical. But a second and third listen will reveal the true scope of HORSE the band’s lyrical prowess.

Ingrained with a poetic disposition, the lyrics reach greater depths than one might expect from a band that finds inspiration in old video games. Aside from some light-hearted chanting on “Horse the Song,” the lyrics tend to evoke the emotionally ravaged persona within all of us.

Of particular interest in this 12-track set is the performance of Ukrainian classical pianist Valentina Lisitsa on the song “Rape Escape.” The piano playing adds depth and artistic value to the track, making it one of the most compelling HORSE the band songs to date.

Overall, the group atones for a lackluster performance on 2007’s “A Natural Death” by producing tracks with staying power. Much like “The Mechanical Hand” (2005), the band’s new work can be played all the way through without stopping.

Each song represents a unique composition as the music draws heavily upon the talents of keyboardist Erik Engstrom and vocalist Nathan Winneke, the band’s creative pillars.

Starting in late November, HORSE the band will play alongside Norma Jean, The Chariot and Arsonists Get All the Girls on the Explosions 2009 US tour.

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