Garbage creates near-perfect ‘People’

Garbage, “Not Your Kind of People” (Stunvolume Records)

For a band that’s been around for almost two decades, Garbage has released surprisingly few studio albums. Their fifth, “Not Your Kind of People,” comes on the heels of a seven-year hiatus, which makes it all the more anticipated.

Fans who have missed Shirley Manson’s powerful vocals and scenic presence will revel in this blast-from-the-past album, released on their own label for the first time. This artistic freedom allowed them to make just the kind of album they want — bold, honest and accessible to those not of rock sensibilities. The 11 songs on “Not Your Kind of People” — all written and produced by all four Garbage members — cohabit wonderfully, each bringing to the mix something the others don’t have.

“Man on A Wire” is the petulant, self-destructive one of the group, whose drum-and-bass sets the rhythm for the argument. “Battle in Me” is its twin in tone but not in temperament; together they work the crowd, like a bad cop, good cop routine trying to get a confession of love out of the listener. “Blood for Poppies” is the cool, trendy one who’s nonchalantly talking up strangers, while “Sugar” is the incurably romantic, the perpetually lovesick one whose plaintive whispers haunt you.

The volcanic red-haired, high-priestess of alternative rock shows off her range with gusto throughout an album with a sound and lyrics that don’t disappoint. There’s good reason to celebrate that Manson, Duke Erikson, Butch Vig and Steve Marker are back.

Check out this track: “Not Your Kind of People” echoes a languorous swinging 1960s vibe that is vaguely reminiscent of the band’s big James Bond soundtrack hit, “The World Is Not Enough.”