"U.R.A. Fever," the first single from the Kills' upcoming third album, Midnight Boom, was a tad underwhelming. The track tried to substitute rumbling synths and nonsensical call and response for the bluesy stomp and wounded come ons that made the band initially electric. As a perceived attempt to project cool menace, it felt unfortunately mushy. But if the band wants to inch away from the damaged minimalism they rode in on, perhaps there's an effective way forward after all. Half of "M.E.X.I.C.O.C.U." is pure wind-up, with coiled guitar strings nervously storing the kinetic energy to launch a pop pinball. But once it snaps into forward trajectory, it's as light and clear as the band has ever sounded. Singer VV has been the central focus of some lovely, dusty ballads, but she's never sounded this carefree. Even the return of stabbing guitar can't damage her good time, and the shift in tone makes all the difference. The combination of her aloof confidence and the music's punk edge recalls the sweet spot of vintage Elastica. Trying to lighten up while still clinging to your old darkness is much tougher than just letting that shit go.