Cave In is often classified as "alternative metal," an unfair label for a band that owes more to complicated progressive rock than cheesy, wailing guitars.

The group's more intricate influences are the basis of its latest release, Antenna, but with a "modern music for musicians" alternative overtone.

The disc is filled with tightly constructed, well-arranged, solid rockers that get plenty across in just a few minutes. From the vigorous snare drum that drives the verses of "Stained Silver" to the swooping rock-gracefulness of "Lost in the Air," each song could be part of a longer progressive epic but tastefully doesn't need to be.

Antenna's one exception is the nine-minute "Seafrost," but its sneak-up bass line intro and chiming guitar chorus make this lengthy experiment welcome here. The group actually sounds good outside of the tight constraints of its songs, especially in this tune's spooky jam reminiscent of Pink Floyd.

Above all, Cave In is a rock group -- which is probably why the acoustic ballad "Beautiful Son" feels out of place in this collection. There are ways to adjust the levels of intensity without going for the whole unplugged thing, and Cave In needs to stick with the ones that work, such as the slower but still heavy "Joy Opposites."

But with so many clever ideas and catchy complications, Antenna is a refreshing piece of rock and a nice reminder that there are still bands out there that make us think.

-- Reviewed by Paul Weinstein