The Color Guard gleefully piece together aspects of The Breeders, The Mars Volta and Voivod; the vocals veer haphazardly between an Aeon Flux soundtrack and a Kim Deal homage. The layers don't really congeal, but the mess they make is so compelling, you probably won't notice.

"Transatlantic Void" opens on a muted drum roll, which quickly gives way to a spazzing New York beat verse -- the drums going one way, the guitars another. Only during the chorus do they finally agree on a third direction and run with it. Singer Lalena Fissure's voice is bolstered by sweet vocal harmonies that offset the darkness swirling beneath the melody.

A flute opens "Your Kiss is My Command": this strange, ethereal component floats through the song, while the guitars remain grounded, ready to fight to protect their territory. And while the maelstrom of instruments boils over beneath her, Fissure provides a hint of what Yoko Ono's voice will sound like in heaven.

Its title notwithstanding, Dark Pop exists in a rich netherworld between metal and pop. If you've got a jones to thrash around like a maniac, then sing along with a sweet chorus, The Color Guard have you covered.