Even as it makes a splash in the Home Pond, the Anaheim band knows how to take naught for granted.

Pop music: The Orange County quartet began as a ska band but has made a name for itself with a different kind of sound on its upbeat single.

Tragic Kingdom is now gold, proving that if you stick to something long enough you'll eventually succeed. Ozone talks with No Doubt's Kanal and guitarist Tom Dumont for the lowdown on the highs and lows

No Doubt finally put out their second album this year. What was the hold-up? Nothing really... Only a lousy record company, the departure of their main songwriter and the end of a love affair between the group's longest lasting members.

No Doubt's newest record, Tragic Kingdom - the third release from this Anaheim ska / rock / pop hybrid who've been building a local following for eight years - marks the debut of Stefani as a primary lyricist.

With their latest Trauma/Interscope release Tragic Kingdom, No Doubt furthers their penchant for musical exploration. Gwen's rich voice growls, struts and glides its way around a kaleidoscope of sound and emotion.

Young rock bands start out like saplings in a thick forest. First they must fight for room in which to lay down roots. Then they must break through a tangle of competing trunks and branches, in hopes of shooting into the sunshine. After a five-year growth cycle, No Doubt is starting to glimpse daylight.

Unaffected might be the best word to describe No Doubt, following their monster success in the Southland. Pleased, yes; enthusiastic, maybe; but if you’re expecting this Orange County dance/ska quintet to have turned into smug, complacent, laurel resting bums, then you’re in for a disappointment.