Swedish darlings The Sounds have received their share of comparisons since they made their way to U.S. shores way back in 2003 with their debut Living in America. Associations tossed about included the likes of Blondie, Missing Persons, and even Pat Benetar. While that's not necessarily bad company to be among, that record didn't so much meet such high expectations as it did become lost in the middle of every other band at the time. (The Music, The Sounds?) While music critics clamored to staple the fusion of new wave and punk rock as the "next big thing," the hype seemed to die out before it even began.

It's three years later now and while most of the bands from that time have seemingly disappeared, a few have decided to give it another go, including two of the most successful of the lot, The Rapture and The Killers. While The Sounds never quite reached the commercial success of those bands, they're also attempting a comeback with Dying to Say This to You.

This sophomore release continues right where their debut left off without missing a step. It seems the band has even taken to heart Christopher Walken's sound advice when he said, "It needs more cowbell." On the album opener and first single, "Song With a Mission," they incorporate just that and undoubtedly, it works quite well. The album is comprised of upbeat, catchy cuts like "Queen of Apology," "Painted by Numbers," and "Running Out of Turbo" to the funky "Tony the Beat" and "Hurt You" to the slow-tempo of "Night After Night" that make it a decent record. And though Maja Ivarsson's voice adds a charming touch to their overall sound, ultimately, the songs lack the kind of distinctive sound that they need to set them apart from the also rans and more importantly offer the kind of innovation to breathe new life into the genre they so clearly borrow from.

Those searching for a little fun retro pop music will likely be satisfied with Dying To Say This To You, but for those looking for a little more sophistication - look elsewhere.