by Emily Tartanella

Grubspoon could be from two very distinct decades.

On one hand, they've got the vocals that would make Robert Plant nod approvingly. They feature drums that fall like rocks in a quarry. They swagger like the kind of band who would make their home at (the dearly departed) CBGB's in the glory days of Television.

Meanwhile they use guitars that might as well be swathed in flannel. With a call and a response, they can evoke some of the best (and occasionally worst) of recent metal. Not to mention, Grubspoon rock like the bizarre love child of Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age. Make no mistake; this is guy-rock at its best, be it from the 70s or the 90s.

Perhaps the worst thing about Grubspoon is their name. Shudder. But, aside from that, this is an endearing CD full of epic hooks, catchy songs, and emoting that makes Nickelback look like Kraftwerk. Grubspoon traipse through genres, picking up the best they can find and combining it into Happy Accidents. They hail from Washington, D.C., but sound like Seattle rock, and they keep shifting the more you try to pin them down.

The songs are, frankly, excellent. Opener "Love at First Sight" shows that Grubspoon can make girls dance, albeit in a slightly menacing way. The basslines are dark, edgy, but the harsh vocals definitely contradict any use of the word "moody."

Future single "Monster" has a surprising charm to it, featuring piano keys and a repeated chant of "My darkest hour." It's here that Grubspoon show their potential. This is a fantastic song with a style all its own, one that could provide a soundtrack to any teenager's life. Other highlights include "Penance," with a Pixies-vibe that makes your toes curl, and "Hooked," which seemingly resurrects Joey Ramone and gives him enough speed to make it to the mic. The irresistibly profane "FVA" (Fuck Virginia) pounds like the Beastie Boys at their most ruthless and seethes with a primal, furious energy.

Despite the embarrassing "Kaleidoscope" (way too close to Limp Bizkit territory) and occasional lyrical slightness, Happy Accidents makes you want to run upstairs, slam your door, and blare your stereo. No matter which era or what genre Grubspoon come from, they know that rock is about the chords, the power, and most of all the fundamental spirit.

If it's too loud, don't you dare turn it down.