In late 2001, upon releasing the debut record “The Fake Sounds Of Progress,” six Welsh lads were marketed as Europe’s Incubus.

-Three years later, trimmed down to a quintet, Lostprophets still is trying its hardest to live up to that title with its new CD, “Start Something.”

Its melodic repertoire isn’t as depressing or self-pitying as former tour-mates The Deftones and Linkin Park, but it’s not far off. Lukewarm lyrics such as “too much inside/ too much to analyze,” from the song “A Million Miles,” are as introspective as vocalist Ian Watkins gets.

“Start Something” embraces the occasional pop melody on tracks like “Goodbye Tonight” and “Burn, Burn,” but those moments are as scarce as they are awkward.

Instead, the 12 songs are layered with loud guitars, turntables, louder guitars, rolling bass lines, dueling vocalists and the occasional rap verse.

Though its sophomore release possesses a hint of potential, Lostprophets writes music five years too late — it missed the Nu Metal bus, which is quickly coming to the end of the line.

Liner notes that thank bands such as Ill Nino, Staind, Puddle Of Mudd, Hoobastank and Audiovent seem like a further attempt to be included in the group of artists who define themselves by the concept of playing music for 15-year-olds who are upset with living in the suburbs. Meanwhile, Lostprophets and other “club” members moan about how MTV sucks but covertly record music designed for “Total Request Live” and Ozzfest.

Nearly all bandmates are members of this so-called club. All Lostprophets needs is a shirtless front man and it could be inducted.