POP MUSIC REVIEWS : Not Enough Zest for Sleeper; Polara Rises

Sleeper is no Elastica, and Louise Wener is no Justine Frischmann.

Though the two British rock quartets and their lead singers are frequently linked back home because both deal in invigorating power-punk textures and somewhat sassy lyrics, Sleeper’s performance on Saturday at the Whisky fell far short of Elastica’s recent triumph in the same club.

Sleeper can hold your interest for a few numbers with its early-’80s new-wave zest, especially if one of those numbers is “In-betweener,” a slap at compromised dreams. Ultimately, however, Sleeper’s music seems lightweight.

“Delicious,” a key track in the group’s Arista album, has caused a stir in England with its lustful imagery. But the song is conventional and tame next to Liz Phair’s “Supernova.” Saturday’s real sleeper, in the dictionary sense of unexpected treat, was Polara, the Minneapolis outfit that opened the show. On the group’s self-titled album on the indie Clean Records, singer Ed Ackerson steps forward impressively with solidly crafted songs.

Live, Polara spiced some of the songs with intense, guitar-driven arrangements reminiscent of the Smashing Pumpkins’ haunting soundscapes. Though Ackerson needs to show more command as a performer, this is a band that could matter.