Tantalizingly confusing — two words that perfectly describe the Delgados’ newest album, Universal Audio. Though it has poppy intentions, the record lets a thoroughly complex, darkly svelte and almost sexy appeal leak through.

At first, the song line-up seems a bit confusing. The album wanders through a maze of unpredictable music genres. The opener, “I Fought the Angels,” is full of angry guitar riffs overlapped by lead singer Emma Pollack’s lush voice.

But the Delgados quickly lighten up with songs such as “Everybody Come Down” and “Get Action,” which resonate with a folk-like jingle. Juxtaposed between these songs is “Come Undone,” where Pollack lets slip darkly Portishead-esque poetic utterings.

Unfortunately, with this genre confusion, the sound of Universal Audio is not as easily distinguishable as the band’s prior albums. It can’t decide on a particular groove, and thus makes it hard for the listener to get attached.

Still, it’s safe to say that the Glaswegian group has succeeded again with its fifth album. Though all are very different, each song on Universal Audio possesses an attractive force of its own — and it is through this unpredictability that the album proves to be a mesmerizing treat.

The Delgados will perform Nov. 5 at the Casbah.