Only two tracks in to Weezer's latest and sixth studio album, has me asking why Rivers Cuomo has decided to mess with his trademark self-imposed simple yet effective pop formula and produce something that vaguely sounds more like a parody of a band that's trying to be Weezer rather than the Weezer we have fond memories of.

Rapping, spoken word, Beach Boys-esque harmonies, weird tribal chanting all signalling that Cuomo wants to get all experimental, push the narrow radio-friendly confines a little, but still have a damn good time while he's doing it.

Of course, this isn't some groundbreaking, new like-whoa out there avant garde concept album, and the more obvious differences are only on a few tracks.  After all, this is Weezer, with a front man that made Buddy Holly awkwardly sexy in the early 90s before nerd chic was cool.

 For all ye fans of yore, there are moments where the album does hint at vintage Weezer, notably ''Pork and Beans', which is already reaping massive success in the U.S. topping charts and becoming their biggest hit single so far, backed by a clever YouTube marketing ploy slash music video.

When Weezer stick to what they do best, ie Cuomo not trying to get too tricky, is when the album becomes enjoyable and frankly, quite catchy. Perfect when driving or to inject a bit of summer back into frosty winter days.