Now that mod style is being revived (again), we can expect to see Fred Perry polos, tapered pants, and a rash of bands carrying dog-eared copies of Colin MacInnes novels. Chisel is definitely on the latest neo-mod tip—as evidenced by the Who- style arrows, scooter, and retro color scheme that adorn the cover of its debut CD, Nothing New. The liner notes even credit “The Cappio Kid” with executive production, a not-so-subtle reference to Paul Weller’s own pseudonym, “The Cappuccino Kid.” But the band’s fresh arrangements and melodic sensibilities—which echo those of the amazing mid-’80s Dischord band Rites of Spring—should keep Chisel from becoming D.C.’s answer to the Chords (devoted but derivative early-’80s Jam copyists). Nothing, a collection of singles, compilation recordings, and unreleased material, also features four new tracks produced by Fugazi member and former Rites of Spring frontman Guy Picciotto. Thanks to Ted Leo’s scrappy guitar playing, Chisel’s emotionally charged anthems are fluid and crisp—Leo alternates between Weller-style power chords on “Your Star Is Killing Me,” and the quick-wristed jangle of the Wedding Present’s David Gedge on the disc’s title track. Chris Norborg’s bass lines propel the music, providing intricate melodies around which drummer (and Washington City Paper staffer) John Dugan skillfully weaves. The newer tracks—especially the album opener “Innocents Abroad”—are clever, sinuous pop songs, while older numbers like “Little Gidding” resemble the more linear pop-punk that is currently in vogue on ‘HFS. Leo’s voice—normally a terse mixture of tomcat howl and passionate yelp—sounds most like Picciotto’s on “1 in 10,” while on “Sunburn” he approximates the high-pitched charm of Superchunk’s Mac McCaughn.