“Work,” the third album from indie rockers the Shout Out Louds, thrives on a more basic and minimalistic sound than their sophomore effort, “Our Ill Wills,” released three years ago. The Stockholm quintet incorporates blues, surf rock, dream pop and a bit of folk into their chorus driven songs, often prone to spontaneous sing-alongs.

Lead guitarist and vocalist Adam Olenius, supplying unique, strained, aching ‘80s-like pop vocals and catchy guitar riffs, has turned to a more pop and concise sound for “Work.” “Walls,” while initially a simple drumbeat interwoven with vocals and occasional splashes of pop piano chords, builds up to a minimalistic Arcade Fire-like chant-along ballad. The effect works well and expresses the emotional nature of the song. A similar formula is retained for most of the songs on “Work.”

However, the mellow track, “Candle Burned Out,” breaks this repetitive trend and is reminiscent of “Impossible,” arguably their most popular song. The intimate and soothing tune seems to whisper stories of a forgotten time; this may be the most visual and colorful song on the album.

Olenius’ lyrics, although a little more upbeat than previous albums, still retain their trademark moody and dark nature. In dream-pop-laden “1999,” the line, “I do remember, like a punch in the face”, is simple, crude and moving in contrast with the bright piano-hooked song.

However, this album does come with growing pains. Many of the songs are indistinguishable from each another and easily forgettable.

Songs like “Play the Game” seem like an attempt to recreate what fans loved them for, but instead comes off more like a Death Cab for Cutie tune. The lyrics, while moody and moving, do tend to be stale and unoriginal at times. Overall the album is a pleasant listen and recommended for Shout Out Louds fans. Newcomers, however, may be a little disappointed.