YEAH YEAH YEAHS: Cool It Down

Heads will roll, indeed. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs' Cool It Down is a triumphant return to their signature sound, full of infectious energy and sonic experimentation that is sure to delight fans and newcomers alike. From the opening notes of "Spitting Off The Edge Of The World," the album brims with driving rhythms, Karen O's electrifying vocal delivery, and just the right amount of doom- perhaps more than you remember from this band, but hey. It’s been almost a decade!

The album's highlights are many: "Burning" features a thunderous drumbeat and a haunting, almost psychedelic guitar riff, while "Mars" builds to a frenzied climax with layers of distorted guitars and O's powerful wail. "Different Today" is a perfect example of the band's ability to fuse catchy hooks with experimental sounds, while "Spitting…" is a wonderfully odd slow burner choice for a first single.

The album also features some impressive collaborations, including a guest spot from Perfume Genius on "Spitting…" and production work from TV on the Radio's Dave Sitek on several tracks. These collaborations don’t completely shake up the trio’s signature sound, but certainly provide some sonic discovery on repeated listens.

Perhaps most impressive of all is how the Yeahs manage to balance their more experimental tendencies with their pop sensibilities. This band has never been predictable, yet they never feel like they're trying too hard to be avant-garde. Instead, this collection strikes a fine balance, creating a sound that is both unique and instantly accessible. To be honest, there are no dance-floor-ready bangers like “Zero” on this one. But kudos to O and company for refusing to repeat themsevles.

In short, "Cool It Down” is that trickiest of comeback albums: It feels like a necessary addition to the band’s legacy, but one that truly belongs to its own time and place. Cooling down? Somehow, after this record, I doubt it.. A-