Often quite abrasive and dissonant, but not without melodic sensibilities, alternative rockers Lit keep listeners on their toes on the varied Tripping the Light Fantastic.

Metal, thrash, punk/hardcore, and grunge are all important parts of the southern California band's sound, but elements of power pop and sometimes folk also assert themselves on this arresting and angst-filled release.

One minute lead singer A.

Jay Popoff is screaming in a tortured fashion, and the next, his vocals are very much in tune.

Guitarist Jeremy Popoff can be brutal, but he also demonstrates that he knows how persuasive harmonic nuances can be on such memorable selections as the as the morbid "Bitter," the angry "Fireman," and the Middle Eastern-influenced "Habib." This is a CD that won't be accused of being one-dimensional.