Produced by former Cocteau Twin Simon Raymonde, Cedars finds itself withering with a winsome lethargy while a sense of building frustration, alienation and a wry wit uproot any chance of continuity. At turns windswept and claustrophobic, serene and menacing, Cedars sways with the ambience of a twisted cabaret show. Finding inspiration and humour in the mundane is an English tradition deeply entrenched in its musical heritage and one perfected by the likes of The Smiths and Pulp. With a comparable dry humour and with an eye firmly fixed on the everyday, Clearlake are awash with bleak observations.
Covering everything from death and self-loathing, to hope and love, while echoing early Blur, Pulp and the idiosyncrasies of Syd Barrett, Clearlake's beguiling if occasionally disquieting sophomore album beats with a poetic heart. Whether seething with anger on "I'd Like To Hurt You", bemused by love with "Almost the Same" or simply pondering the chances of snow on "Wonder If the Snow Will Settle", frontman and lyricist Jason Pegg keeps his subjects and delivery firmly unpretentious.
While perhaps not as distinctive as some of their forbearers, Clearlake have created an eclectic, enthralling and without doubt worthy follow up to their critically acclaimed debut Lido. --Christopher Barrett
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