Howling Bells lives up to its enigmatic name, with a neo-noir rock attitude that frolics in the shadow between the darkness and light. The Australian quartet, composed of Juanita Stein, Brandan Picchio, Glenn Mouleand Joel Stein released their self-titled debut in 2006 to critical acclaim, and after three years they prove they are still a great band to look out for.?

The release of?Radio Wars?is well timed as a midsummer pickup for the high note the music industry has been hitting again and again this year. While they may not be as eclectic as Animal Collective or as dreamy as Grizzly Bear, Howling Bells find their niche with a catchy yet tragic sound nestled somewhere in the middle of the indie spectrum. More than just another dime-a-dozen alternative rock group, Howling Bells solidifies their sound in shadow with a surprising vibrancy. Equipped with a lead singer like Juanita who is both innocent and dangerous, and a sound that is at once jubilant and ominous,?Radio Wars?succeeds in fusing opposites in an intriguing way.

The sophomore release starts off with “Treasure Hunt,” a title which foreshadows what the album ultimately becomes. Listeners are driven into the track by layers of percussion and Juanita’s forceful croon. From the very start, Howling Bells have launched into the schizophrenia that is their edgy yet romantic style.

Alternating largely between slightly tragic yet optimistic tunes and relentlessly morose tracks, the album seems to embody its own name in battling for a dominant theme. Is it radio-worthy rock, or a unique listening experience to be scoffed at by the typical radio aficionado??Radio Wars?is both and neither, as its beats are catchy and seem danceable, yet its melodies probe with jaded lyrics like, “To cry doesn’t make it any easier/ To laugh doesn’t always feel right.”

For example, tke tracks like “It Ain’t You” and “Nightingale.” While they are similar in tempo and lack of guitar dominance, they differ greatly as the former feels complacent and the latter is far more haunting, yet somehow comforting. As a matter of fact, the?band seems much more convincing as a spooky rock troupe than a more mainstream and radio-ready version of itself. As with the already mentioned “It Ain’t You” along with “Golden Web” and “Digital Hearts,” the band falters when they fail to push the envelope far enough.

When Howling Bells does hit the mark, however, we’re left with truly remarkable tracks like “Into The Chaos,” a jarring and euphoric listen laced with Juanita’s lilting voice. “Ms. Bell’s Song/Radio Wars Theme” further proves their mastery in the eerie playfulness of the first half, solidified by the second half’s crashing, dirge-like chorus, “Radio wars are coming/ They’re here.” Howling Bells state the arrival of their album like a prophesy, and the music world should be both curious and thankful for its fulfillment.

If your intrigue isn’t enough to push you to purchase, head over to Howling Bells’ Myspace page where the album is currently streaming. Immerse yourself in each slightly offbeat track, and if you aren’t convinced of their prowess after hearing?Radio Wars, then you haven’t truly let yourself get into the chaos.

4 out of 5 stars.