With "Farm," Dinosaur Jr. [ tickets ]'s ninth studio album, the trio takes another substantial leap forward by simply improving upon its gritty sound and style.

The evolution of Massachusetts punk alt-rock trio Dinosaur Jr. is an interesting case study of what it is to be a major underground success. Earning respect from their peers Sonic Youth and Nirvana pretty early on, and attracting a cult following during the '80s and '90s, the band became a mainstay for the eclectic rock scene. Since then, the group dismantled, reunited in 2007 and released two more albums--"Farm" being the second.

"Farm" is replete with meaty guitar solos and instantly infectious melodies. Infused with an early '90s spirit, the album contains a wonderfully familiar buzz of reverb and distortion. Although unique unto themselves, most of the tracks share a common underlying grunge-rock quality and sense of hopelessness. It's a formula that Dinosaur Jr. has now perfected, but it also leaves little room for the unexpected.

That's not the say the group doesn't step outside its boundaries here and there. Sounds shift into psychedelic hysteria with "Your Weather," a standout track marked by commanding vocals and bass lines. Another deviation comes with "Imagination Blind," a song characterized by dark, forceful rhythms and choruses.

The music may slightly vary, but the ideas remain mostly melancholy. "Ocean In The Way" is a fantastic display of sadness and desperation. In his lackadaisical, gruff voice, J Mascis sings: "There's a panic that I can't describe/I need that something I see in your eye." Although noisy and energetic, lyrically, "Over It" is a self-pep-talk to let go of the past; it's just one example of how a balance between disheartened thoughts and rapid riffs keeps "Farm" engaging and far from falling into a deep depression.

While certainly not artistically earth-shattering, "Farm" has enough solid rock moments and retro-energy to please old-school Dinosaur Jr. fans, but new listeners can also find the music inviting and worthwhile.