Eccentric indie-pop act Mystery Jets are back with a third album, Serotonin, which combines catchy Britpop with diverse elements handpicked from a plethora of influences. The end result is a beautifully arranged pop gem.

Serotonin is borderline guilty-pleasure pop, and could be dismissed as a dull copy of the work of similar, albeit less interesting bands (the Kooks jump to mind) if it weren’t for the inventive, original quality of the arrangements of the album’s eleven tracks, few of which go over the four-minute mark. The lyrics to opener “Alice Springs” sound like a checklist of cheesy love song clichés; yet, it would almost seem that this is done intentionally, as a nod to the pop love song tradition. And if that assumption doesn’t stand up, vocalist Blaine Harrison’s delivery of the words is so powerful and earnest that the song is completely absolved of any cheese accusation.

The same principle applies to the entire record. Serotonin is full of simple melodies you’ll think you’ve heard a thousand times on the radio, but these are produced with impressive, multi-layered arrangements. Even the weaker moments of predictable pop are made interesting by the fact that the songs are spontaneous and dynamic.

Serotonin as a whole has its high and low points, but is generally a very consistent display of pop done right. There’s also something theatrical about the album being book-ended by its two most powerful tracks, with “Alice Springs” as its booming overture, and Harrison’s haunting howl looming over the slowed pulse of the conclusive “Lorna Doone.” Between these two outstanding tracks, highlights include the 80s- influenced, piano-driven “Too Late To Talk,” as well as more upbeat numbers “Flash A Hungry Smile” and “Serotonin.”

Serotonin’s release date is this Tuesday, July 13 (tomorrow) and it is well worth picking up.