It’s almost impossible to diss MGMT. Since laying ears on the buoyant opening chords of their 2007 major label debut, Oracular Spectacular, I’ve been transfixed by their synthy beats, wacky disco-pop nostalgia, and catchy use of children’s choirs … you know, for dramatic effect. I’ve also been silently acknowledging how impossible an act that disc would be to follow. On Congratulations, the Brooklynites’ long-buzzed-about sophomore effort, we get almost no over-the-top dance beats. In their place stands a more detail-oriented version of MGMT, and the result is surprisingly successful. Lead track “It’s Happening” is an avant-pop ballad that calls to mind prog-rock wizards Twelfth Night. Later, the guys get all gothic on the ska-tinged “Brian Eno,” and then follow it up with “Lady Dada’s Nightmare,” which sounds like it came off the Cremaster Cycle soundtrack. Sure, new MGMT might not be as jukebox-friendly as its predecessor, but it’s weird enough to keep us listening anyway.