You'd think a band that named itself The Format, mocking the "cookie cutter" format typically associated with Top 40 hits (where they're written by a team of dedicated writers and sung by a pretty face) could produce some pretty unpleasant songs -- the musical equivalent of nails scratching down the side of a schoolroom blackboard or a tone-deaf canary perpetually perched on your shoulder.

Yet this five-man pack of satirists puts out pop rock so pleasant, major record labels probably want to eat their words (or cookies) when it comes to listing the ingredients needed to construct catchy tunes, capable of cultivating a widespread fan base.

They've toured with the hugely popular All American Rejects, seen airtime on a long list of television shows (including Veronica Mars, One Tree Hill and Malcolm in the Middle) and made numerous appearances on Last Call with Carson Daly. Any aspiring artists should be so lucky as to learn the secrets of The Format's recipe for success.

The sophomore album from these Arizona-bred boys, Dog Problems, hails largely in part due to a relationship-turned-sour from front man Nate Reuss -- who was left to take care of three four-legged friends previously picked up by him and his now ex-girlfriend.

While the inspiration behind this record seems a bit sad, the overall tone remains upbeat. Even while spouting out songs laced with the witty, yet languished words "Suddenly between sheets and eyelids I am reminded why I don't do this / I fall in love far too quickly" (in She Doesn't Get It ) and "Hold on, there's a hole in my heart / everyone can see right through me" (in Dead End ) The Format emits effervescent and floaty fun with a tinge of '70s pop.

And it's no surprise, seeing as how legendary baroque bands like the Beach Boys and Beatles are key influences to these innovative power poppers, who incorporate similar instrumentation with a modern twist.

The title track, Dog Problems , features old-timey and ostentatious horn choruses amid witty and sometimes volatile lyrics (there's something scandalously appealing about having the single line "it's a bitch" tossed in there). Multi-instrumental arrangements extend beyond horn sections: the brilliant lampooners picked up the tricks behind many off-beat instruments during their performing days.

While tracks like I'm Actual resemble the music of a carousel ride or high school musical (but with much cooler melodies and beats), and others, like closer If Work Permits , permeate a more folk/rock sound, The Format succeed in creating 12 knockout tracks -- worthy of hit-status without being subjected to the chichi typically associated with indie pop sensations.

Additional Tracks:
Time Bomb
Snails