Clearlake

Clearlake

Cedars (Domino) With their sophomore full-length, Brighton, UK's Clearlake grab the reins of Britpop from Blur and run away with the race. Things start off at full gallop with the glimmering guitars of "Almost the Same," then take a sharp left turn into the lush, orchestrated gloom of "The Mind Is Evil." Clearlake's m.o. is all too evident on the dark and suspenseful "I'd Like to Hurt You." Beginning with a pleasant melody, the song dissolves into a sonic barrage of creepy keys, spellbound guitars, and lyrical tidbits like, "I wouldn't hurt a fly, but I'd really like to punish you. D'you want to know why? 'Cos I don't have a good excuse." The band's tone is more akin to the Smiths and Nick Cave than Oasis, but cigarettes and alcohol aren't as much a concern as cruelty ("Come Into the Darkness") and self-hatred ("Treat Yourself With Kindness"). Not enough can be said about songwriter/vocalist Jason Pegg's masterful songcraft and the group's impeccable musicianship. Pegg offsets his dark themes with delicate, bittersweet melodies and majestic crescendos like the aforementioned "Treat Yourself With Kindness." While tons of praise has been heaped on the lads, these Britpop jewels are perhaps still underrated. If the boys could shag a few starlets and trash a few hotel rooms in the midst of a drunken stupor, then maybe they could garner the record sales of their British peers. (Thursday, March 18, 11pm @ Buffalo Billiards)