Unless you’re a well-versed hip-hop fan, it’s possible that your familiarity with rappers Left Brain and Hodgy Beats only stems from their frequently cited Odd Future involvement. The pair of artists, however, also make up the separate rap group Mellowhype, which recently released their third studio album, Numbers. In comparison to their previous work, the album features toned-down and introspective tracks, and showcases the pair’s recent shift away from adolescent antics to musical, and perhaps even personal, maturity.

In other words, Numbers is less hype, more mellow. In some instances, this leads to artistic breakthroughs, such as with “Under 2,” in which Left Brain touchingly raps about his newborn son. Other times, however, the mellowness is monotonous, leaving longtime fans wishing for some of the adolescent anger and intensity present in their earlier work. Frank Ocean’s appearance on “Astro” adds some star power to the album; the track features beautiful crooning by Ocean with a great Left Brain beat. Earl Sweatshirt, on “P2,” adds excitement as well, though disappointingly mumbles throughout much of his verse.

In sum, the album could use more energy and variety in its use of beats, sounds and features. As the first effort of a more cultivated Mellowhype sound, however, it can be considered a step in the right direction.