There isn’t the smallest hint of pretension in Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks’ new album. From Malkmus’s quirky lyrics to the laid-back instrumentation, there’s a disalarming charm that’s hard to describe (but it’s so good).

Not to mention that they’re having a ball playing new songs, especially the upbeat ones (“Spazz,” “Tune Grief”). A rare balance occurs in the span of a track where a spectrum of emotions just spill out. Through a dark guitar riff or a joyous hoot from Malkmus, there’s a sense that they aim to write songs that evolve from start to finish. Oddly enough however, it’s the lyrics that set Malkmus And The Jicks apart. The Wilco-esque “Asking Price” is pretty close to perfect.

“We’re unevolving have you heard of us? Virtual unvirtuous. A game of faro, can’t you see?/Bastardized biology”

Malkmus’ guitar work is also impressive. He does a great job of filling voids in a song with a tasty riff or a cool effect (“Stick Figures In Love”) but also know’s when to hold back. There’s moments where his guitar sets him apart from that fuzzy indie-rock sound and makes him “a guitar player” just as much he is a singer.

Mirror Traffic is an endearing effort with plenty of jams, but Malkmus intelligent songwriting is what really makes the difference. Definitely worth looking into.

(Matador Records, 304 Hudson St., 7th Floor, 
New York, NY 10013)