Robert Altman did it with his film “The Player.” Woody Allen often used the same technique — an inside look at a film within a film. Cursive pulled a similar hat trick last spring when they released “The Ugly Organ.”

“The album within an album,” says guitarist and backup vocalist Ted Stevens.

Cursive will be sharing the introspective concepts examined through its lyrics at Grinnell College Thursday, along with no-core band The Blood Brothers. Although the tour promoting “The Ugly Organ” ended in March, the band continues to support the album.

The theme in Cursive’s most recent release is one of the aspects that has earned them the most acclaim in the band’s history. However, at least one member of the band admits metaphors written by frontman Tim Kasher are difficult even for him to comprehend.

“I can only guess what he’s getting at,” Stevens says. “We’ve talked about [the lyrics] extensively and there’s still some gray area that’s left gray intentionally by him as a writer.”

Although Kasher is the main force behind Cursive, Stevens plays an active role in making the final product more cohesive.

“When we started coming up with concepts for the record, we came across a lot of imagery that we both were heavy with and willing to work with,” Stevens says. ” I would wait for him to write and then I would write a response to what he’s doing.”

Specific lyrics may be foggy, but the intent is clear.

“I think the main theme is the creative process,” Stevens says, “and how human physiology and sexuality and emotion all play into that creative experience.”

Cursive’s current success is ironic, yet appropriate, considering the band’s frequently satirical lyrics. Much of the material pokes fun at some of the patterns which rock bands easily fall victim to.

“There are times when the pressure’s on and you have so many records now and you’re kind of just throwing another one out there,” Stevens explains.

“So it happens to be kind of tongue-in-cheek of the whole process.”

The members of Cursive are comfortable making self-referential critiques, but show no sign of low confidence. Their live shows testify to this by showcasing the ways the band has matured. Part of this evolution involves the addition of cellist Gretta Cohn.

“A lot of times when we’re going off on a little improvisational thing, [Cohn] can play as harsh and jarring as she wants to, but in the end, it’s really melodic,” he says. “We can kind of go out on a tangent, whether it’s noise or whatever style, and have her underneath, always broadening the distance between the highs, the treble and the bass.”

The improvisation could be taken as a hint of what fans might expect from Cursive live. Stevens says the band chooses a couple songs each tour to completely rework, so fans can look forward to hearing old songs revisited, as well as some new songs.

“Just expect some heavy playing,” Stevens says.

“No fireworks. No big neon sign behind us.”