Unlike other British indie-rock acts of their generation, Brighton-based four-piece Clearlake have spent the best part of the decade so far putting out interesting, critically well-received records without ever making much of a splash. Either with their debut Lido (2001) or their sophomore effort Cedars (2003), the band failed to piggyback on the ascendance of similar-sounding acts such as the Doves or Electric Soft Parade. Now Clearlake returns as a trio with a more aggressive, psychedelic sound in their third album Amber. Electric guitars have gained prominence, bass and drums have been re-energized, while the dreamy, hypnotic atmospheres of their earlier efforts have been preserved and even become more overwhelming. Some would argue that Clearlake have discovered and incorporated American college-rock influences, but I hear more of an early-90's shoegazing inspiration in standout tracks such as current single 'Good Clean Fun' and upcoming new single (and potential dance-rock hit) 'Neon.'
