Music review: Ben Kweller

Album: Ben Kweller

Star: 45

The prodigous Ben Kweller is back with his self-titled fourth album. Did we mention that this is his fourth release in six years-and that he's only 25?

Like his other efforts, Ben Kweller (Red Ink) showcases an eclectic batch of indie rock songs that are simultaneously hummable and heartbreaking. A range of human emotions are explored from melancholic frustration in the piano-fueled "Nothing is Happening" to unbridled optimism in the quick and catchy "I Gotta Move."

Many of Kweller's other albums have this same range but the difference this time is its more mature and continuous sound-not coincidentally the most enjoyable part of this album. While indie rock may be popular for its cracked vocals and grungy guitars, Kweller has often relied a bit too heavily on these trademarks. On this album, Kweller maintains a smoother tone in his voice which makes his occasional warbles all the more poignant, such as in the piano ballad "Thirteen."

With these changes the overall tone of the album is more similar to an album by the Monkees or the Beach Boys than The Strokes or [insert your favorite trendy indie rock band here]. Add in lyrics that are bit more sardonic and self-conscious and some 21st century production and you get Ben Kweller, an album with layers both sour and sweet.