Unidad de Desplazamiento raises the question as to whether musical democracy is the best path for Los Planetas as guitarist Florent steps back from his former dominant role in musically shaping the songs.

The material boasts what are by now Los Planetas trademarks -- the dreamy quality, occasional strings, and wall of sound built on layers of melodic details -- but it's a bit stodgy and static compared to the Spanish alternative-rockers' early discs.

The edge Los Planetas needs is only sporadically apparent here.

"Vas a Verme por la Tele" delivers it with relentless repeated guitar riffs that, of all things, recalls the Bobby Fuller Four's "Let Her Dance" with their insistence -- the song flat-out rocks.

"Maniobra de Evasion" is effective, too, and "Plan De Fuga" works enough dynamic variations on a never-changing bass riff to stick in your mind.

But Los Planetas may have indulged in a little too much navel-gazing on Unidad de Desplazamiento -- its dreamy side dominates too much, and too much of the music just floats right on by.