Yo La Tengo [ tickets ]'s new album, "I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass," is a powerhouse--and don't let anyone tell you any different, either.

A solid return after 2003's somewhat tepid "Summer Sun," "I Am Not" immediately kicks into high gear with the first of fifteen tracks, "Pass the Hatchet, I Think I'm Goodkind." It's all distorted, droning guitars and attitude, practically begging you not to get sucked into its fierce pull. It's the calling card and sound of Hoboken's finest.

As with all Yo La Tengo projects--and like the oft compared Sonic Youth--this album is all about measurable contrasts: light vs. dark, sweet pop vs. distorted feedback, girl vocals vs. boy, etc., etc. For this is a trio that thrives on atmosphere, and what they can do within that atmosphere--shaping it, molding it to fit their malleable muse.