The Clientele

Like bad teeth, overrated comedy, and the BBC, The Clientele are unmistakably British. There is no denying their geographical origin. It bleeds through their music. These may not sound like complimentary remarks coming from a Scot, but the British do one thing exceptionally well and that is create timeless and excellent music.

Although The Clientele have 6 albums under their belt and a handful of EP's, I am choosing to write about their 2005 release "Strange Geometry." Like Bonnie Prince Billy and Black Sabbath before that, I am not breaking the mould by writing about a band that needs coverage. The Clientele are very well received and have a healthy amount of material written about them out there in print and on the web. This post came to light not only because of the albums strength, but because I am slated to attend their show this month at the Horseshoe.

Right from the onset the album makes its presence felt with an outstanding hooky track in "Since K got over me." Simply put, It is Indie Brit-pop at its finest. The album encompasses you in the feeling that you are somehow an honorary Brit just for listening to it. The lyrical content runs the gamut from love loss to a "virtual walk" through the streets of London. Although you will find some tracks that appear a little melancholy, overall the album manages to come off as sunny and optimistic.

This album is a shining example of knowing what you do best, and delivering exactly that. If anyone can lay claim to perfecting the use of soft dreamlike vocals layered with reverb drenched guitars, it's The Clientele. Each track although not sounding over produced, has The Clientele displaying a fastidious attention to detail and overall tightness.

All and all this album is a great introduction for anyone who isn't familiar with The Clientele as well as for those who are looking for Brit pop with brains.

Stand out tracks:
Since K got over me
K
The Geometry of lawns