Lead Singer Britt Daniel's distinctive drawl is a highlight on Spoon's latest release, 'Transference'
(photo is Creative Commons Licensed)

It's difficult to master simple - especially in a world full of multi-dimensional indie rock that favors complexity. But that doesn't stop Spoon from trying. 

And succeeding.  

The band's latest release, Transference (Merge), carries them back to their minimalist, rock 'n roll roots from the mid-1990s. Sure, they've included plenty of fancified drumbeats and guitar distortion, but the crowd-pleasing horns from 2007's 'Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga' are noticeably absent.

But the regression works. Spoon are masters of straight-up rock without the frills.

Transference opens - heavy on the cymbals - with 'Before Destruction,' a song that sounds so beautiful in its simplicity. For the most part, Daniel's acoustic guitar drives the track. Toward the middle, a poignant harmony of "ahhs" resolves into a major chord as the guitar takes over the melody. What completes the package are Daniel's perplexing lyrics like "everyone loves you for your black eye." It leaves you wanting more. 

The second track picks up the pace with an explosion of Jim Eno's frenzied drumbeats. It's almost soothing compared with the haunting singing from before. But the chorus, which repeatedly asks "is love forever?" spins out of control into distortion - a good effect for such a heavy question that is never answered on the album.  

Although the album starts with two promising tracks, its third, 'The Mystery Zone,' feels like a recycled version of 'Sister Jack' from 2005's 'Gimme Fiction.' For die-hard Spoon fans, this is a good thing, but for the rest it seems tired. 

Overall the songs are memorable and enjoyable. One of the stand-outs, 'Goodnight Laura,' resembles a beautiful lullaby that continues the minor-major transgression from track one. Daniel's humming glides gently through the ballad over a soft keyboard chord progression. It's a nice contrast to the edgier, harder numbers like 'Written in Reverse,' which have their own charm. 

Transference's appeal and respectability doesn't come as a shock though. The Austin-based quartet have been around since 1994 and put out six other strong full-lengths.  

What's different this time, however, is that they've produced the album themselves. This could be one of the reasons for their return to the lo-fi, more traditional Spoon sound.  

In addition, Spoon have announced a headlining tour to be kicked off in Austin during South By Southwest. They will end in Oakland on April 13.