Since breaking out with four-piece noise-rock outfit Deerhunter and solo project Atlas Sound, Bradford Cox has become a prolific critical darling, landed gigs with Nine Inch Nails and performed at this year's All Tomorrow's Parties festival. Looking back on the four full-lengths he has recorded over the past three years, Cox is equally proud and confounded at his success.

"I didn't know people could stomach me that much," Cox tells Spinner. "I've just tried to keep busy and not put out any half-assed records."

'Logos,' Atlas Sound's sophomore record, relies on a more accessible sound and choice guest appearances to expand upon its intimate 2008 debut, 'Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See but Cannot Feel.' Recorded mostly from Cox's home and over a much longer period than 'Blind,' 'Logos' steps away from autobiographical lyrics and embraces lush pop arrangements as well as "more logical" song structures.

"It's just a natural thing to become bored with your style and want to move on when you think people have figured you out," says Cox, who cites everything from Bob Dylan to gospel music as an influence on the album. "The last album lacked a certain arc, and just harped on one feeling over and over. This one is more of a mixed bag."

Cox also recruited two indie-music icons to give 'Logos' a more diverse feel. Panda Bear (aka Noah Lennox) of Animal Collective guests on the shimmering sing-along 'Walkabout,' while Stereolab singer Laetitia Sadler provides vocals to moody eight-minute track 'Quick Canal.' Both collaborations came together while Cox was touring with Animal Collective and Stereolab at different times last year and add what Cox calls "a unique spirit and perspective" to their tracks.

Atlas Sound plans to support the release with two gigs at the CMJ festival and a fall US tour alongside British dream-poppers Broadcast, kicking off Oct. 15 in Atlanta. Although Cox cannot explain his consistent level of fan support, he loves showcasing his singular sound on the road. "I just do what I do. I never would have expected such a reaction," he says. "People like it when artists do their own thing, I guess. They like [the music] for all of its weirdness."

'Logos' is due out Oct. 20 via Kranky Records.