If The Ting Tings’ debut breakout album, “We Started Nothing,” was the pair’s sassy and infectious first born, its newest effort, “Sounds from Nowheresville,” is a poorly-concieved mistake. The English duo’s sophomore album underwhelms with gimmicky tracks that lack fresh rhythm. On songs like “Guggenheim” and “Silence,” lead singer Katie White sounds like she’s trying to force an emotional connection with comatose, forgettable lyrics. The album’s erratic pacing and lack of cohesion must be the inspiration for its “Sounds from Nowheresville” title, as the album’s sound varies wildly from synth pop to arena rock at a moment’s notice. The Ting Tings’ latest effort will likely have music enthusiasts echoing sentiments of the duo’s earlier work – “shut up and let me go.”
Grade: D