Why do I like Andrew WK? Because he’s different.

He’s far from the gray, mourning, apathetic drudgeries of Staind, Disturbed, Godsmack, Linkin Park and all other post-’80s buttrock that, if anything else, inspires countless angsty teens to run for dark clothing.

-His music bleeds life; it’s a celebration of happiness, love, ‘80s metal and partying.

With his sophomore release, “The Wolf,” WK continues to rock with his fists flaring and legs kicking. But this time around, WK’s efforts are less rebellious and more balladesque, ditching all manic hyperactivity in a wake of instrumentals.

We’re given something that sounds like a rock opera. One easily can picture an overworked maestro throwing himself into fits, seizures or convulsions during the frantic, guitar-led “Victory Strikes Again.”

From there, we are tossed headfirst into anthemic odes to partying, sex and other hedonistic tributes to living wild, energetic lives.

Perhaps this isn’t the assaulting material WK fans crave. On “The Wolf,” each track is signature. From the a cappella shouting match of “Make Sex” to the nonsensical gibberish interlude of “Tear It Up,” each track has definition, a far cry from the Ramones-like homogency of his previous work.

Unfortunatly for fans, “The Wolf” lacks the inspired lunacy of “I Get Wet.” Yet for all the momentum lost, WK still continues to live life at 500 miles per hour.