Yes, Lucas Silveira is a transman and yes, the word Cliks is a smash-up of two sexual slangs, but the band has often expressed that they want to be known for more than just being a group made up of members of the LGBTQ community (along with Silveira being transgender, bassist Jen Benton and drummer Morgan Doctor both identify themselves as queer). They’ve obvious been true to their words.

The band’s third album, released this past June, is much more than a shout-out to a specific kinship. With lyrics about lust, love, and loss, the emotions run high and the beats are solid – anyone can appreciate that. It doesn’t hurt that Lucas Silveira’s vocals are diverse and very expressive. He hits the notes – high, low and everything in between – with precision.

Furthermore, to classify The Cliks as an alt-rock band would be an oversimplification. The band’s style incorporates all sorts of sounds. “Dirty King” has an interesting ska vibe to it. The snarling line in the chorus: ‘I am your dirty k-k’ – that would make anyone bare their teeth in rocker’s delight. “Falling Overboard”, a surprisingly soulful track, proves Silveira’s chops are top-notch. Songs like “Not Your Boy” and “Emily” are soft, almost classical in style. In several tracks, the use of string accompaniment (which is complex and artful, not unlike Silverchair’s 2003 album Diorama) demonstrates a refreshing departure from generalized rock.

All in all, The Cliks have grown as musicians. Their sound is crisp, appropriately honed and progressed for a group that’s been on the scene for a few years now. Being hard and pounding seems to come easy, but they’re not afraid to be soft and a bit romantic too. It’s real, and that’s what people want – something genuine.

Distancing themselves from the initial label as a queer band will be difficult. However, if Dirty King is an indication of a rising momentum for this trio, we should expect great things from them that will surely to turn the heads of all kinds of music-lovers.

Track Listing:

1. Haunted

2. Dirty King

3. Not Your Boy

4. Red and Blue

5. Henry

6. Emily

7. Career Suicide

8. Love Gun

9. We Are The Wolverines

10. Falling Overboard

11. Animal Farm