**1/2 Trans Am

SURRENDER TO THE NIGHT

(Thrill Jockey)

One thing the Maryland instrumental trio Trans Am have going for them is that they don't try to sublimate or deny their less-than-hip collective unconscious. Rather, they incorporate it into their mix of analog and digital keyboards, bass, guitar, and drums. Sure, Trans Am's second album takes its share of cues from post-rock contemporaries like Tortoise (whose John McEntire produced the album) and earlier electronica forefathers like Kraftwerk, but "Cologne" and "Motr" are just as likely to remind us of techy mainstream rockers Boston or screen composer Giorgio Moroder.

The apparent care and construction that went into creating Surrender to the Night make it somewhat more pretentious than the group's thrown-together debut from last year. Still, it's likable enough, especially if you prefer prog-rock that offers its fair share of aural assaults (just check the buzz-and-hum speaker-blowing effects of "Zero Tolerance"). Moreover, Trans Am know enough about good old-fashioned rock to include plenty of hooks, to avoid self-indulgent noodlery, and never to underestimate the importance of a funky drums and bass grove. But after all, it's just their human instincts kicking in.

-- Roni Sarig