Lights and Sounds, Yellowcard's latest release, shows a different side of the pop-punk band. The album differs from the group's previous work, Ocean Avenue, with its heavier sound and attempt at deeper subject matter, straying from the upbeat formula that made the band popular.

On Sounds, the violin is blended more into the actual music, which makes it less noticeable. It isn't showcased as an element of novelty as it often was with Yellowcard in the past. This may either disappoint or delight fans considering the band is well known for using the violin, which set the sound apart from other groups in its genre. This heavier sound is one that Yellowcard is surprisingly able to pull off on Lights and Sounds. The music is different from what an audience might expect from the band. However, the members did not wander too far from their pop roots. Still, they did find room to sprinkle highly catchy songs among the more intense ones. It is refreshing to see a cultivated, mainstream band take its music in a different direction and take some chances.

Even though pop music isn't necessarily known for its deep lyrical meaning, the actual content of the lyrics is considerably lacking. On the track "Two Weeks From Twenty," Yellowcard tries its hand at a "war is bad" song but ends up with a catchy, rhyming tune that has no message instead.

As an album, Lights and Sounds is a progression for Yellowcard. The band succeeded in changing its sound but not with out abandoning its hardcore pop-music fans. Even though the song lyrics are far from well-thought-out poetry, the album is sufficient entertainment for most activities. Grade: B-

-- Reviewed by Julie Moore