The Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ latest album, “It’s Blitz!” marks a departure from their signature dance-punk sound into one that is much more synch savvy.

While adventurous, this new direction does not complement the band’s overall body of work nor comes close to the quality of previous albums.

The third studio album by the New York trio has much more synthesizers and keyboards than their previous album, “Show Your Bones.”

Guitarist Nick Zinner had previously experimented heavily with various guitar effects, sometimes giving them a synth-like sound, from their 2003 release, “Fever to Tell.” However, he had never used keyboard effects to this extent. As a result, this album is almost void of any guitar tracks.

“It’s Blitz!” misses Zinner’s edgy guitar almost as much as it lacks the angst and powerful vocals of singer Karen O.

The songs on this album, by and large, are slower and more mellow than what’s to be expected of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

This change in direction is reflected by O’s new vocal approach of being softer and more melodic. Although her vocals sound good, the impact that they once had is just not there.

These changes are all evident on the opening song, and first single, “Zero.” The song is overflowing with synthesizer leads and electronic rhythms.

Overall, the song is solid and unique enough for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs that, in some way, it almost offers a sense of relief from their older material.

Unfortunately, by the time the album reaches the fourth song, the five minute “Skeletons,” the novelty of a more mellow, electronic Yeah Yeah Yeahs album has all but worn off.

Ironically, the next song, titled “Dull Life,” is by far the most energetic song on the album and is most similar to the style used for their previous albums. It’s also the first track to feature extensive guitar work by Zinner.

The song “Runaway” is a beautiful vocal piece by O accompanied by mesmerizing piano and minimal guitar and drums. This is one of the few examples of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ new direction actually complementing O’s vocals

The album concludes on a high note with “Little Shadow.” Although simplistic, O’s vocals are again well done and Zinner’s guitar makes another cameo.

“It’s Blitz!” will be a surprise for dedicated and casual fans alike. The album contains some charming songs, but the lack of edge and power that characterized previous albums makes this album a mere “Soft Shock.”