POP MUSIC REVIEW : Alexakis’ Energy Invigorates Everclear

Everclear, a punk-inspired trio from Portland, is in a tough position. It comes from the now-passe Northwest, where guitar-driven bands are assumed to be a dime a dozen, and it has little new to offer musically.

But at the Troubadour on Monday the band showed what can set it apart: frontman Art Alexakis. His lyrics head straight to the heart of the matter, whether it be drug abuse (“Heroin Girl”) or interracial romance (“Heartspark Dollarsign”). And his pure energy and spirit made him a first-class performer.

Onstage, Everclear traded the polished sound of its major-label debut album, “Sparkle and Fade,” for a rougher, more energetic approach. Alexakis’ frantic guitar playing was right on target song after song, while his sly vocals kept the subtle melodies within reach.

His gruff, sardonic singing was truly engaging, and while drummer Greg Eklund and bassist Craig Montoya were solid backers, this was Alexakis’ show.

The band picked and chose between material from “Sparkle and Fade” and its 1993 indie debut, “World of Noise.” Most of its milder, more melodic tunes, such as “Santa Monica” and “Electra Made Me Blind,” came early in the set, leaving most of the hyper, semi-punk songs for the end. That proved a perfect move, as the crowd finally matched the band’s adrenaline for an exciting finish.