I never thought something can be so good yet so "meh" at the same time.

The alternative, indie pop-rock outfit Young the Giant is back with their fourth studio album, "Mirror Master". Much like the title of this article, the album for me is a big resounding meh: sometimes an upbeat meh like "meh, that was actually pretty good" or a bad meh like "Meh... I don't know about that."

What "Mirror Master" ultimately feels like is most of the same old same old for the rock band, with maybe a hint or two of evolution in sound and lyrical content. But ultimately, I can't say that much of the album stands out to me as a huge step forward in Young the Giant's career.

Actually, now that I think about it, this album is the most Walk-the-Moon-ish this band has sounded. Tracks like "Tightrope" and "Call Me Back" sound like the production comes right out of WTM's most recent (and wonderful) LP, "What If Nothing." These two tracks do indeed serve as some of the highlights of the album, even if they feel like nothing particularly experimental for the mainstream indie-rock world.

Other standouts that struck me right away were "Superposition" (though a relatively weak opener compared to last album's certified, thoughtful banger, "Amerika"), "Heat Of The Summer" (incredible vibe and production, even if the lyrics never go truly deep to YTG's typical potential), "Brother's Keeper" (easily the catchiest chorus on the album), and the dance-like, upbeat, finishing title track (best verses on the record, hands down).

However... there are equally as many "meh" tracks on the album, bogging down the track-listing a significant amount. Both "Panorama Girl" and "You + I" are the fullest of filler tracks from the band, adding nothing of note in terms of the overarching, introspective theme that encompasses many of the songs, including the title track.

To be fair, the concept of the album is that we all have insecurities and things holding us back when we look into the mirror and see our reflection physically, mentally, and spiritually, and that we need to overcome those and press forward, is a decent concept, and it's fun to see the band, especially lead vocalist Sameer Gadhia, wrestle with those.

But to be honest, the resolution to this narrative is rather boring and dull.

There is no climax, it's just the willpower of the narrator to conquer and overcome those insecurities and holdbacks.

Honestly? That's boring. That's not compelling. And that's not life. The album fails to find any sense of community, any connection to other human beings that realize the complexity of its own situation and internal struggle.

I could go into more of the sonic components of the album, quote from interviews, and maybe even explore some of the lyrics... but I don't think the album even really merits that. It's a decent listen, some standout moments, doesn't give too much to inspire or think about... and that's the tea for this week.