Five years since their last studio release, The Von Bondies [ tickets ] return with a fresh line-up, new record label and revamped sounds--polished garage riffs, sassy backup vocals and retro indie rock.

Although less gritty than the band's 2004 release, "Pawn Shoppe Heart," "Love Hate and Then There's You" follows the group's established sense of urgency and exceedingly cool attitude. With rapid drum attacks, punchy bass lines and peppy-girl choruses, most of the tracks blaze by before they grow too tiresome--but, unfortunately, also before they become too effective. Upbeat and catchy are fine qualities, but at times the thrill ride of fast rock spirit and fury lacks imagination. Songs like "I Don't Wanna" and "Shut Your Mouth" lose momentum with overdone choruses.

Some of the best selections come during the latter half of the album. Frontman Jason Stollsteimer proves he is the backbone of this unit. His vocals excel on "Earthquake," the record's star track and a grand exhibit of his passion and range. When he desperately croons: "This is no earthquake, honey, you just got sober," there is some obvious artistic growth.

Less than a minute-and-a-half, "She's Dead to Me" is a sharp and fun use of Nirvana-style guitars and '60s-hippie female backup sounds. That energy gets carried into "Chancer," a giddy grunge-and-tambourine-infused fling.

More often than not, "Love Hate and Then There's You" succeeds with rapid rock style and zest. Even when the music falls flat, The Von Bondies still have time on their side, with most songs lasting under three minutes. While it certainly may not be the comeback of the year, The Von Bondies still deserve some fanfare for this release.