POP MUSIC REVIEW : Letters to Cleo: A Basic Message

Letters to Cleo has a name far more complex than its sound. The Boston-based band plays basic pop-rock with a rough enough edge to satisfy the post-punk generation. The quintet, which recently signed to major label Giant, is best known for its hit “Here and Now” on the “Melrose Place” soundtrack.

On Wednesday at the Whisky, the band was personable and animated, making up for the fact that many of its songs on record come off somewhat faceless.

Singer Kay Hanley, who wore what looked like a drill-team skirt and had kiddie barrettes in her hair, sang about the basics--love, life, other stuff--in a gravelly voice and in sweet, over-enunciated tones. The band played some bouncy, new-wave tempos, and made the songs grittier by adding fuzzed-out, ‘70s guitar riffs and slight feedback.

Letters to Cleo doesn’t particularly stand out in the scope of things, but for now, the band fills the ever-present need for easy music.