Hot Licks by the Lake

If you’re lucky, you can still catch Silver Lake heroes Beck and the Geraldine Fibbers at occasional Silver Lake gigs. But most likely you’ll have to settle for newer acts. Here are seven, in alphabetical order, that out-rock and out-pop the competition:

Eels. Slithering out from the u-n-d-e-r, underground, the Echo Park band specializes in songs about defeat and rejection. The debut album, due next week from the new DreamWorks label, was co-produced by Michael Simpson, one of the Dust Brothers who helped shape Beck’s “Odelay.”

Extra Fancy. With all the media fuss made over lead singer Brian Grillo’s homosexuality and themes, it’s easy to overlook the fact that this is simply a great live act that emerged out of the ashes of punk’s first generation. It’s unbelievable that Atlantic Records would drop the group after just one album. Other labels are already lining up with offers.

Fluorescein. This psychedelic pop quartet is boosted by leader Greg Mora’s onstage intensity. With lyrics defining twentysomething subculture (“Kathy’s on Crank”), Fluorescein’s appeal is broad and accessible. The group’s debut album is scheduled from No Name Records next month.

Lifter. This band has an affection for moody, post-Nirvana rock. Its new Interscope album “Melinda (Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt)” is a must for anyone who’s ever had a broken heart.

Lutefisk. These guys explode onstage with pounding drums and searing vocals. The group’s upcoming Bong Load album “Burn in Hell, [Expletive]” is dedicated to thieves who ransacked the group’s Silver Lake studio last year, stealing more than $10,000 in equipment.

Touchcandy. Although from London, frontman David Willis is Silver Lake’s current poster boy. Performing with a sexual abandon that recalls Perry Farrell’s early days with Jane’s Addiction, Willis is a crowd pleaser with his hammed-up, glammed-up rude boy approach.

Velouria. This catchy power pop trio is known for its first-rate songs and energetic performances. An album is due on Aerial Flipout Records this fall.