Clearlake - 'Cedars' (Dusty Company/Domino) Released 03/02/03

Cedars is the follow-up to the acclaimed Lido, their debut which hit the shelves in 2001 with the likes of Elbow, Turin Brakes and Doves kicking at their newly-soled heels. But while the aforementioned bands go from strength to strength sailing still on the back of Britpop ripples, Clearlake are clearly being left behind. After taking a break in France at the end of 2001 to record Cedars, the quartet are still to find that 'je ne sais quois' - and their 'va va voom' for that matter.

Raised in Brighton, theirs is a world of friendship, smiling, biblical scenes, snow, and meeting again one day somewhere by the sea. All very romantic. They make feeling loved and lost the pitiful, melodramatic experience it was always meant to be. Having said that, Cedars does attempt to have a darker and more chilling side to their previous releases. But they will still certainly have their work cut out if they want to stand out amongst the bands of the so-called 'new rock revolution' that is set to continue well into 2003.

The songs are cloyingly over-produced and can sound particularly dated; and whilst going for whimsical and lovesick, the album lacks any depth or freshness that their contemporary stiff competition ooze from their pores. The monotonous voice of Jason Pegg drones on throughout Cedars, which is, unfortunately something Pegg's weird hats or the production assistance of former Cocteau Twin, Simon Raymonde will not be able to alter. I somehow think that the lifespan of Clearlake will not be as 'evergreen' as the cleverly chosen album title.