Two Hours Traffic’s 2007 album Little Jabs came out of nowhere (well, Prince Edward Island) to become one of the finest power-pop gems of the decade. The album’s pure energy, combined with singer Liam Corcoran’s penchant for a killer melody, earned the album massive recognition in Canada and even some coveted TV spots in the U.S. Would a band rather be nominated for the Polaris Prize or have one of their songs lead into an act break on Gossip Girl? Luckily, they didn’t have to choose. Lighthearted love songs and summer-ready pop ruled the day on Little Jabs, but this year’s model takes a bit of a darker turn. Weighty songwriting is the order of the day on Territory, an almost obligatory step for a band no longer looking to make it to the top, but to stay there. The album starts off promisingly enough with “Noisemaker,” which would’ve fit nicely on Little Jabs, but the pace slows considerably from there. The inconceivably heavy-handed “Just Listen,” and the alcoholics’ warning song “Drop Alcohol” come up at the halfway mark of the album and Two Hours Traffic suddenly feels like a judgmental person standing in the corner of the room at a party. Two years ago, they were throwing that party. Territory is disappointing for those expecting Little Jabs II, but the band’s strong songwriting chops remain intact. The title track, “Happiness Burns,” and “Weightless One” are all perfectly fine in their mid-tempo glory, but it’s hard not to stare at your speakers and wait for the band to hit the gas pedal. Two Hours Traffic is sticking strictly to the speed limit here — they’ll get to their destination, but the voyage could’ve been a lot more fun.