Cedars

Clearlake, that saw the band develop a darker & more heartfelt sound in the wake of their critically-acclaimed debut, 'Lido'. These 12 thrilling songs each pay testament to the quality of this beautiful album, conceived by the band in France and Brighton and produced with former Cocteau Twin, Simon Raymonde. Jason Pegg's incisive songs explore subjects rarely visited articulately in pop since peak-period Smiths - madness, death, loss, self-loathing and self-healing among them. The outlook may occasionally be overcast but it's offset by the tremendous therapeutic clout of gorgeous melody and forensically observed lyrics. This album also boasts an expanding palette of raw and evocative sonics: guitars that describe small orchestras of feedback, woozily-arranged strings, chiming antique pianos and rich, layered vocal harmonies all recorded with a garagey bravado. Throughout Cedars, Clearlake continually find beauty in melancholy and melancholy behind beauty, while raising your hairs in reverence with occasional guitar squalls. Pitchfork Media This is one of the most unique, inviting, and ultimately thrilling song cycles released this year. Delusions of Adequacy A beautiful record. Uncut.