The Grates' slam-bang garage pop gains greater depth on Secret Rituals, as core members Patience Hodgson and John Patterson add more lyrical nuance and dynamic range to their frisky sonic antics. The Australian combo’s third album retains the winning features of its earlier releases—the tunes here fuse honeyed melodies with astringent guitar work, carried along by jittery rock rhythms that build to insistent choruses. What’s new is a more mature perspective, conveyed by Hodgson’s less-frantic, more-emotive vocal manner and a greater sense of songcraft by the band overall. A breezy, Yeah Yeah Yeahs–style insolence is still evident, though comparisons to ‘90s bands like The Breeders and Sleater-Kinney are even more relevant. The album opener (“Turn Me On”) and the closing track (“Moving On”) display a welcome seriousness even as the group delivers plenty of tangy pop texture. Of course, the cheeky attitude and kitschy musical gestures that defined The Grates from the start are present too, especially in songs like “Young Pricks,” “With You,” and “Like You Could Have It All.”