Duluth, Minn., must be a pretty boring town if a band focuses on nothing but melodic tones and layers of vocals, like Low does.

The trio never seems to get past the vocal combination of percussionist Mimi Parker and guitarist Alan Sparhawk. Harmonies become annoying and the two voices blend into one.

“Monkey” evokes Radiohead’s “There, There” with thundering drum beats and distorted bass lines while calming vocals murmur “Tonight, you will be mine.”

Guitars dominate heavier songs such as “Everybody’s Song” and “Step,” while Parker mimics a heart beat with her kick drum on “Cue the Strings.”

Timing structures remain the same throughout the album and rarely go beyond a 4/4 beat.

The attempted saving grace of the album, “When I Go Deaf,” begins with Sparhawk and his acoustic guitar, but seconds later Parker again ruins the song with her backing vocals. The last minute and a half of the song saves the entire album, with pure distortion and no vocals whatsoever.

While Low tries for a unique sound, it comes off as watered-down indie pop. It’s more of a great disappointment.