Building on an organic process that began years ago when Cleveland-based musician David Mansbach was seeking a new creative outlet,

Trepanning Trio

is prepped to release its third album this weekend.

(An embedded stream of the album is available below.)

The whole thing begins with a glance across the cover art for "Auspicious Threes." It's a stark departure from the sepia-toned – and highly cryptic – designs on the band's first two albums. Minimalist and mysterious, it's a window begging to be opened.

The album, released by Infinite Number of Sounds Recording Company, is a sign of evolution for a loose-knit group that defies most contemporary genres and puts more of an onus on listening rather than playing.

Though one could toss out words like “folksy” and “avant-garde” and “post-rock,” they won’t do much good: There’s a broad spectrum of sound throughout the album, including the band’s rather unusual addition of voice as an instrument.

The build-up of “Last July,” a song with deep personal meaning for Mansbach that has made it to many recent setlists, showcases the band’s ability to mold sonic layers and swell the music’s momentum with lilting melodies rolling off the tongue.

Mansbach said that developments like that give the album a more vividly human element.

And beyond the scope of the album, this music is truly awe-inspiring in a live setting.

“Every time we play a song, it’s different,” Mansbach said. “There’s a lot of directing that happens on the fly.” While much of the band’s repertoire now exists as recorded music, each song bears only the shadow of a full composition. Rather, Mansbach said, songs are presented more as ideas that can grow and morph on the stage as needed.

“As long as you’re open to it, the music writes itself,” he said of the creative process behind both the writing and the performing.

Probably one of the most engaging points on the new album comes at its close during the final cut, “Cloud.” What began as an experiment in recording was later scrapped (but available as a bonus demo track!) and rewritten as a truly monumental piece.

And while the vocal breakdown at the core of that track is staggering and emotional, the key to its magic may very well be the single drum beat prior to the chorus – evidence that magnificent creatures sometimes dwell under very small rocks.

The band will perform at 7 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Music-Armory Building of Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave. The album will be played in its entirety.

Mansbach said that even those who have seen Trepanning Trio perform previously will be in for a real treat at the event.

Not only will a 14-piece ensemble version of Trepanning Trio be in effect, a live-edited visual backdrop will be provided by San Francisco-based video artist Brent Gummow.

Solo performances by Peggy Latkovich on piano, Courtney Lambert on marimba and several duos and trios comprising Trepanning Trio members will also be featured.

Additionally, a complimentary full-length copy of “Auspicious Threes” will be supplied for each paid admission.

Tickets cost $10, with free admission for children 18 and under. Call 216-521-2540, ext. 37, for more information.

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