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05/12/1998 3:00 AM, LAUNCH
Chris Morris

Punk-pop's cyber-Beatles continue to refine the formula that propelled the band's superlative 1995 debut album . The instrumental/ production triumvirate of Butch Vig, Duke Erickson and Steve Marker is among the smartest sonic architectural firms in contemporary music: Their mix of sweet-sharp melodies, elegant dynamics, tricky samples and triggered effects, and layered, lush, assaultive sound is as sophisticated as any on the market (and they can duplicate it all onstage!). The group's smart-bomb is Scottish frontwoman Shirley Manson, whose forceful dominatrix/ masochist persona is unique among the horde of soft-in-the-center gal-rockers coming to the fore today. At her best, she's the equal of a sublime progenitor (and obvious influence) like Chrissie Hynde . The new album deepens with each listen; first-album fans should warm immediately to "Temptation Waits," "Medication," "Sleep Together" and the pop-savvy gemstone "Special." Really, there isn't a better band playing right now, and Garbage's new one is a lock for this writer's top 10.