English rockers, Clearlake are always good and this EP is no exception. Listening to a band that obviously loves to make music and (gasp) recording is always terribly enjoyable. Wonder If The Snow Will Settle is a quick snack of previously unavailable re-mixes and a few chosen older tracks. Just a little something to hold us over until Clearlake’s next album, Amber is released.
Here, title track “Wonder If The Snow Will Settle” and “I Want To Live In A Dream” have been re-mixed by producer Ben Hillier. Hillier has, in the past, worked with the likes of Blur, Doves and more recently with Depeche Mode; his magic touch is a nice addition to this EP. “Wonder If The Snow Will Settle” is a great opener - chilly, lament-filled and full of lose-lose questions from Clearlake front man Jason Pegg. The sweet, whimsical harmonies of “I Want To Live In A Dream” are reminiscent of the Beach Boys’ amazing earlier work. Clearlake produced their fully rocked cover of Neil Young’s “Cinnamon Girl” and “Don’t Lie To Yourself”. Clearlake’s Pegg produced “I Want To Walk”. When left to their own devices, Clearlake’s sonic creations are a bit freer flowing and rough around the edges in the best way. More segue than song, “Daybreak” is eerie and beautiful - a drowning dream serenaded by piano. “Daybreak” is a fitting segue to the near-psychedelic sounds of “Almost The Same”.
Pegg has said that Clearlake’s aim is to write songs that engage people emotionally but are set in their own sonic universe. Clearlake’s wonderful work thus far, including this EP, accomplishes that and promises that their upcoming album, Amber will be excellent. |