Jimmy Eat World seem to disappear in the wake of every album they release, then re-emerge several years later with another clutch of classic power pop gems in their arsenal. The band struggled along manfully in an emo ghetto for several years before striking platinum with Bleed American (rechristened as a self-titled release in the wake of September 11), then followed it with the darker tones of Futures.

Now, some three years hence, the four man-boys from Arizona are back with a more positive outlook, and some bright and shiny production, with Butch Vig at the helm (he’s listed as ‘executive producer’).

The songs on the band’s sixth album are classically Jimmy Eat World – anthems for the disaffected, with a raised salute to their forebears such as Cheap Trick and others more readily apparent than ever on numbers such as “Big Casino”.

Songs are definitely something that Jimmy Eat World never struggle with – the sweetness of Jim Adkins voice is countered by the bitterness of his lyrics. He’s at his best when dealing with internal emotions rather than directing his gaze outward (the political “Electable (Give It Up)” is a major stumble, despite the catchy nature of the tune).

Perhaps it’s emblematic of where Jimmy Eat World are at these days; the last record bombed in comparison with its predecessor, so the band have reverted to a more positive layer hiding an even bitterer core.