In the 1980s Mitch Easter produced R.E.M. and released his own psychedelically influenced, 12-string jangly guitar albums as the leader of Let’s Active. Easter managed to retain the optimism of ‘60s AM pop while modernizing it just enough for modern ears. Eighteen years later he returns with his first solo album. While traces of the old Easter can be heard in the swooping melody lines of “Ton of Bricks” and in the guitar lines and harmonies underpinning “Dusty Lair,” there’s an unusual heaviness in his updated approach. The light, breezy, downright sunny qualities of his earlier work have been replaced with a tough, forceful growl. Guitars crunch with an unheard-before ferocity and the chords strike downward with damning power. “1/2 Way Street” pounds out a determined garage rock beat. “Sights Set On Heaven” casts organs and guitars into a battle for dominance. At center, however, is still Easter’s modest, ingratiating voice, an everyman not given to histrionics. It helps “The Phantom of Ephemera,” with its agitated chords, retain its pop charm and makes “I Want a New Scene” bristle with that old Let’s Active magic.