How does a band go from having a song off their debut album as the free single of the week on iTunes, to a year and a half later having the number one most downloaded record on iTunes? Ask Kentucky-based alternative rock band Cage the Elephant, whose critically acclaimed sophomore album “Thank You Happy Birthday,” sold over 39,000 copies in its first week and debuted at number two on the Billboard 200.

“Thank You Happy Birthday” may have a completely different sound than their first album, but it didn’t lose the energetic and raw flare that Cage the Elephant is quickly becoming known for. From explosive melodic turns to surprising ballads and even the occasional gut-wrenching screams, Cage the Elephant held nothing back when recording their newest album.

On the band’s website, lead singer Matt Shultz stated that the band does not “conform to a popular sound or look.” With songs like “Always Something” and “Indy Kidz,” Cage the Elephant is pushing the band’s sound outside of its comfort zone and onto a different realm. Drenched with fuzz-driven guitars, a raunchy rhythm section and satirical lyrics, both “Always Something” and “Indy Kidz” really show off how much the band has matured musically and lyrically.

After a barrage of six energetic songs, the album takes a turn in the band’s first ballad, “Rubber Ball.” With a calming feel and a soothing melody, “Rubber Ball” exemplifies the band’s flexibility and ability to take it down a notch. You hear them do it again in their hidden track at the end of “Flow,” where they have recorded another relaxing ballad. It comes to show that even a band whose singer is screaming at the top of his lungs and growling lyrics can soften up enough to sing a ballad.

It’s going to be interesting to see where the band heads to next after two very different albums, but nonetheless, it can be guaranteed that Cage the Elephant is maturing quickly and is just as quickly making their mark in the musical world.