The Stereotypes' third album is a darker-toned affair than previous efforts. Recorded and produced in drummer Mike Kamoo's garage, 3's songs have a rough-hewn, DIY feel that's pretty much exactly what you'd expect to emerge from such minimalist surroundings. Hardened guitars, rough vocals, taut melodies and relentless rhythms are accorded their fair share of the running time, but even at the album's darkest points, The Stereotypes' pop melodies shine through, and their hooks catch and stay caught. Much like Wilco's Summerteeth, 3 shimmers with both sunny heat and steamy shadow.

"Don't Say a Thing" starts low, with just an acoustic guitar and a voice, but these anchors are quickly drowned out, and then eventually buoyed by waves of minor-key guitar and rattling drums. The song doesn't so much build on its elements as cleanse them with fire and launch them anew; the undercurrent is as violent as the tone is dark. "Emily", on the other hand, is bouncy, but tinged with ice. It attracts your ear, yet remains decidedly aloof, and the fact that it seems to want you to keep your distance makes it all the more attractive.

3 tries to walk a fine line, which isn't all that unusual -- but it balances upon that line, which is a singular feat indeed!