Novelty indie pop-punk trio Oxford Collapse [ tickets ] crams together a fun mixture of rough experimental sounds on the Brooklyn group's second Sub Pop release, "Bits." The band still delivers its familiar '90s-spirited alt-rock, but gets slightly more emotionally exposed and musically versatile.

A combination of raucous Gen X college rock, beer-pub debauchery, dueling off-kilter vocal harmonies or yelps, happy handclap tunes and unpredictable artsy moments, "Bits" moves with a fast-and-giddy speed for the most part. Lyrically, the band addresses random things--memory loss, pro-wrestling, leapfrog and severance packages--but they also tackle conventional ideas, like romance, without being gushy or bland. On "Young Love Delivers," guitarist/co-vocalist Mike Pace sings: "My love came back from Sweden/brought me some bathroom reading/and the pages turn/look what we've learned/I hope we never reach the end."

Recorded at various spots in Brooklyn during summer 2007, "Bits" includes artistic collaborations with the band's local musician friends, whose outside input gives the album some fresh, interesting turns. For example, one of the most distinctive, memorable tracks, "A Wedding," simply features bassist/co-vocalist Adam Rizer and a cellist. In a calm, warm tone, Rizer shows a more vulnerable side of his blemished singing style, as he thoughtfully repeats: "She is ridiculous." Another standout tune is the peppy, folk-flavored "John Blood," highlighted by female vocal support.

The most endearing qualities of Oxford Collapse are the raw imperfections, spontaneous approach and careless enthusiasm; "Bits" probably showcases these aspects probably better than any of their previous recordings. If anything, it takes the spirit of "Please Visit Our National Parks," from their 2006 album, "Remember the Night Parties," and expands upon that reckless, super-charged pace. "Bits" is a reminder of just how exciting and effective unpolished voices and carefree noise can be.