Ween may be known as the class clowns of alternative rock, but on its new release Quebec, the band wastes no time in making a statement.

The first track, "It's Gonna Be A Long Night," blares with so much rock and crunchy guitars that it could easily be mistaken for the biker rock of Motorhead.

Even though Ween's humor resides in the art of satire, it seems that Gene and Dean were more interested in channeling the energy of Motorhead than mocking it. Quebec is a return to the seedier and darker side of Ween, a side that many fans missed after the slickly produced 2000 release White Pepper.

If the harsh sound of "It's Gonna Be A Long Night" isn't proof enough that the Weens are feeling a little sad these days, the second track "Zoloft" should seal the deal.

Is this a sign that even the most outspoken critics of pop culture have a self-loathing complex? It certainly seems that Ween is a little down on humanity.

The most interesting song on Quebec is "Happy Colored Marbles," which contrasts a Beatles' bubble-gum sound with harsh progressive rock.

The only unfortunate part of Quebec is that the album begins to drag toward the end with several slow atmospheric Pink Floyd-styled songs.

Although Ween has always been known for its satire of pop musical genres (and there is still plenty of genre-hopping), the real standout of Quebec are the lyrics, which offer more insight into Ween's personal side than any album before.

-- Reviewed by Bryan Farrell