There's something very likable about "Ultra Payloaded," maybe nothing more so than the fact that it's not trying to be cool. In some sense, frontman Perry Farrell dispensed with any perceived notions of "cool" when he formed the band with former Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, who adds tempered crunch, pretty atmospherics and slinky melodies here (Farrell's wife Etty is also in the group, on backing vocals). With help from such guests/co-writers as Flea, New Order's Peter Hook and Fergie, Farrell and company have made an album without inhibitions or self-consciousness. Heavily programmed by Farrell, the songs live up to the band's name: somewhat spacey and totally free-spirited. "Ultra Payloaded" is a party record that veers from the light, airy and catchy to the absolutely crankable. In the end, it's all interesting.—Wes Orshoski