The mere mention of Everclear brings to mind "Santa Monica" and an awkward seventh-grade dance.

Reference to the new Everclear unearths "Everything to Everyone" and even more visions of that awkward eighth-grade dance.

So the idea of an Everclear album in 2006 leaves aging listeners fearful of new, awkward college memories.

Nostalgia is common among people and their music. Yet, such nostalgia seems to be a pitfall for many of the '90s bands that are attempting to reinvent themselves in the 21st century. Most of the reviewers are demanding something fresh, but are furious when the end product is not get Mid-90's Hit, Part 16. Some bands have changed their messages — cue Pearl Jam. Some bands have seamlessly blended together — cue Audioslave.

With Welcome to the Drama Club, released on Tuesday, lead singer Art Alexakis is attempting to bring a new Everclear to today's listeners. Alexakis is the only remaining member from the band that created albums like So Much for the Afterglow and Sparkle and Fade. Rather than changing the message or making a "Supergroup," Alexakis seems to be adopting more of an Axl Rose method to making music — kicking everyone else out.

On top of the new band, there is also a new label. Eleven Seven Records picked up the revamped band, hoping to rejuvenate them as they had with Buckcherry, whose album 15 was the label's first release.

Transitioning band aside, Alexakis' life has been changing as well. The very autobiographical lyricist had plenty to draw from as he was recovering from his third divorce, bankruptcy and the trials of creating a new band. He certainly lets listeners know how he is feeling in the first single from the album, Hater, which Alexakis proclaims is the "ultimate 'break-up' song." This may be slightly overstated on Alexakis' part; Ben Folds Five's "Song for the Dumped" may reign supreme on that short list.

There are times on the album when this autobiographical form of writing works in Alexakis' favor, and still other times where it falls flat. On Hater, the lyrics are simple and concise, but charming. Lines such as, "You are beautiful in an ugly way/ Hey the sex wasn't that good anyway" are sure to rouse a smile and a tap of the foot.

To contrast this tone, on the song "Now," the autobiographical verbiage becomes painfully predictable — "I spent the last year walking through the fire/ Now I do believe it is time for me to shine." Such tired lines seem to permeate into a few of the songs, causing a cringe.

Although fleeting, the new sound of Everclear is a major plus for the album. The instrumentation showcased on previous albums was given a new twist with the addition of Josh Crawley on keyboards. A prime example of this comes on the track "Under the Western Stars," in which a fresh hook carries the decent lyrics. In doing so, the track quickly becomes a favorite song on the album. Songs like "Taste of Hell," "Portland Rain" and "A Shameless Use of Charm" are high points for the disc, whereas the rest of the Welcome to the Drama Club waivers back and forth between fresh and expected Everclear sounds — such as those found in the guitar riff and rhythm lines of "The Drama King." The "Father of Mine"-esque track is so catchy fans may find themselves singing along on the first listen.

Alexakis takes his biggest leap musically on a hidden track on the album. This track can best be described as a cross between a Soviet military march, an ADD child with a harmonica and Alvin and the Chipmunks — but that is neither here nor there.

Everclear enthusiasts who want an epically new sound are not going to find it here. Those seeking to tap into '90s nostalgia and remember some of the classic Everclear tunes with a few more on that same line may enjoy Welcome to the Drama Club. It's the best Everclear album since So Much for the Afterglow — which really isn't saying a whole lot, but it's a great starting point.

The band is currently on a nationwide college tour and will be coming to Madison Oct. 2. Concert-goers will no doubt be treated to the classics that rocked middle school dances and might enjoy a few of the new tracks in the process.

Grade: 3 out of 5