Of course, every once in awhile the band touches on something that might have worked in more capable hands � for example, the intro to "Merci, Mercy" is a little eerie until it repeats far too many times, and eventually drifts into the far less inspired territory the band is more comfortable in. "Social Leper" and "No Waves" are a little more upbeat than most of the other tracks, but no more listenable.

"Simple Math," to its credit, actually varies the dynamics. "New Eyes" and the instrumental "Ride Out West," probably the best songs on offer here, have a bit of a laid-back classic-rock vibe.