For Scottish pop darlings Belle and Sebastian (B&S), the group's new album -- The Life Pursuit -- is guaranteed to turn some heads.

Released this month, B&S have a new producer, a new sound and a new attitude.

One of the first bands responsible for bringing indie pop into the mainstream, B&S strays away from the sound fans have grown so attached to and adds a new flavor to attract some new ones.

The group's sound, sometimes called "chamber-pop," refers to its extensive use of string instruments similar to chamber music.

But on The Life Pursuit, its usual multi-layered instrumentals are stripped down to reveal a much harder, direct sound.

Working for the first time with producer Tony Hoffer (Beck, Air), the group settled in Los Angeles to lay down a new album.

Hoffer took over producing duties for Trevor Horn, who led the group to success with its 2003 hit, Dear Catastrophe Waitress and is responsible for hits by the Pet Shop Boys, Seal and Grace Jones.

This musical departure isn't so much artistic growth, but an intentional move towards a much different sound.

B & S traded in its soft melodies and catchy tunes and added some rock muscle, with various musical influences from the Beach Boys to David Bowie.

As always, front man Stuart Murdoch delivers artful lyrics filled with a range of characters and their trials and tribulations. Written almost entirely by Murdoch, Pursuit is Belle and Sebastian's sixth full-length album.

The record is a bit of a roller-coaster ride, with most of the tracks being very hit or miss. The second track, "Another Sunny Day," is one of the best tracks on the album and should have been released as the single instead of "Funny Little Frog," one of the more forgettable songs on the album.

Throughout the record, Murdoch switches it up from a harder sound, channeling Mick Jagger, and then goes back to his usual delicate delivery.

On some of the tracks it almost sounds like two different people singing the lead.

"Dress Up In You" is one of the only impressible songs on the album. With Murdoch's voice at its best, these delicate vocals and spiteful lyrics make for an interesting contradiction. Sometimes the nastiest things sound the best when they're said in the sweetest voice.

With the exception of a few songs, the album fails to satisfy in one sitting. The flow is very erratic, not just keeping listeners on their feet but catering to the Attention Deficit Disorder crowd.

"Song for the Sunshine," is definitely one of those tracks that will catch you off guard. At first it sounds like some '70s "gettin busy" music but then lapses into a sick sing-songy chorus that would leave even a bad taste in ABBA's mouth.

I've always had a soft spot for B&S and the amazing harmonies the group is able to produce, but I think Pursuit is a bit of a misfire.

I'll give full props to any group that tries to step beyond its boundaries, but the only thing that really stands out about this album is that it's so different from the groups former stuff; not in a good way, just ... different.

For people who are already fans, this album is not a total disappointment, but for those unfamiliar with the group, I highly recommend you check out its former albums for a true taste of what Belle and Sebastian is capable of.

Grade: B-