At moments in their several decade-long history, Garbage have taken on the sound of the times, embodying the grunge of the ‘90s or the rock sheen of the ‘00s. But Strange Little Birds, the band’s sixth album since their 1995 self-titled debut, encapsulates some of those part elements in a way that feels more timeless. On surging rock anthem “Blackout,” the album’s immediate standout, Garbage pulls in their signature brooding riffs and intensely wrought choruses to create a rock song that feels simultaneously familiar and new. The rest of the record follows suit: “Night Drive Loneliness” generates a palpable ache with its prodding beat and singer Shirley Manson’s evocative croon, while “So We Can Stay Alive” plays with the balance between instrumental aggression and sparseness. Manson has likened the collection to the band’s aforementioned debut, primarily because the musicians allowed the music to be as immediate as possible. In that way, it’s true, although Strange Little Birds doesn’t necessarily sound that much like Garbage. Instead, its power is in its ability to transcend a comparison anchored in time.