With bleeding hearts and upbeat pop melodies, The Stills [ tickets ] make a notable comeback with their third album, "Oceans Will Rise."

When vocalists Tim Fletcher and David Hamelin sing tough-guy warnings like "Don't talk down to me," it's hard to take them seriously amongst the blissful swirl of guitars and drums during the album opener, "Don't Talk Down." The record may begin with a callous attitude, but most of its lyrics touch on heartache, regret and panic. The subject matter remains pretty dismal, while the music usually keeps things breezy and uplifting, which isn't always a good thing here.

Throughout "Oceans Will Rise," there is a sense that The Stills are grasping for their next hit-making chorus. They get closest with "I'm With You," an emotive, inspiring collage of spirited sounds that gloriously climax and fold. Rhythm-wise, the most interesting track is "Snakecharming the Masses." Using primitive, persistent drum pounding, this drifting tune reveals a darker, mysterious side of the indie pop rockers. Unmistakably U2-minded with bright, polished guitar celebrations and epic chorus force, "Being Here" is easily the most radio-ready tune. Then there's the jangly, fast-paced rock vibe of "Eastern Europe," which could have just as easily been written by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.

"Oceans Will Rise" experiments with a variety of styles--pop-rock, shoegaze, indie rock, metal and post-punk--but the band tends to sound best during the stripped down, simple songs that showcase passionate lyrics. The best example of this is the beautifully depressing "Everything I Build," during which Fletcher somberly sings: "I can still see the smoke/From my train out of town/Everything I build is breaking down." Another powerful tune defined by its minimalism is "Statue of Sirens," a reflection about putting away the past.

The Stills may have made their career on full, stylishly catchy tunes, but on "Oceans Will Rise," it's the gut-wrenching ballads that prove to be their finest moments.