English indie rock band Alt-J returns with their latest album “The Dream,” releasing nearly five years after its last studio album. Despite having released only four studio albums over the course of ten years, Alt-J generates a distinctiveness in themselves that places them as one of the most deeply creative bands working today. Lyrically and vocally, most of their songs are layered with meanings that lean into meta-commentary and psychological elements. There are times when their songs require multiple listens to fully understand, especially the lyrics, but they nonetheless have a piercing impact on listeners. “The Dream” is a welcome return for the band that communicates raw emotion through its intimate lyrics and soothing sounds.