Rebellious girl rock is such a great concept with me, so why do I have the damndest time finding any I truly can’t resist? On Fever to Tell, Yeah Yeah Yeahs sound like X-Ray Spex with less balls. Fortunately, they use that extra space to get their groove on with some repetitive dance rhythms; but there’s never enough to keep my pulse steady, and I could really take or leave the more standard garage punk songs. Karen O’s vocals really are the hook here.

It’s only when things slow down with “Maps” do I find myself drawn into the music. Karen O’s persona seems sweeter than let on. Maybe that’s why Yeah Yeah Yeahs sound so stilted in their manifesto.