Chicago punk rock has always been a bit angry. With Alkaline Trio and the Tossers taking the most mundane of topics and throwing four power chords behind them, the product resulted in bitter, upbeat music.

These days, Fall Out Boy and Lucky Boys Confusion are making catchy punk music to satisfy the new wave of the angry youth.

So newcomers Plain White T’s should be no exception, right? Wrong.

While juxtaposing both happy and sad lyrics about losing a former flame over continuous 4/4 beats, the group showcases its ability to not try anything new.

The 13 songs are too simple. As soon as lead singer Tom Higgenson’s vocals end, the songs end. The band seems almost afraid to experiment and extend the song 30 seconds longer without vocals, attributes that would possibly increase the punk sound of the album.

And what’s a punk record without an acoustic-based track? The band tries to showcase its, ahem, softer side with “Hey There Delilah,” a song that just oozes out sappiness in Higgenson’s vocals.

It sounds like the Plain White T’s need to add some color to its wardrobe.