BUZZ BANDS

His past might be cured

A quarter of a century after he cofounded the Cure -- and some 15 years since his messy departure from the band -- Lol Tolhurst is back.

His trio, Levinhurst, performs Friday at the Echo supporting its debut album, “Perfect Life.” The record features the airy vocals of his wife, Cindy Levinson, over electronic loops that are at times reminiscent of his old band’s work circa 1983.

“There are reference points in our music for electronica fans of artists like Kraftwerk and Monolake as well as the Cure,” says Tolhurst, now an L.A. resident. Not that he’s dwelling on the past. After leaving the Cure in 1988, Tolhurst sued for a higher percentage of royalties. He lost but has made up with co-founder Robert Smith on a personal level. The mark the band left on history is indelible. “We started the Cure from the perspective of figuring out what we didn’t like about other bands and trying to do the opposite musically,” he says. “Back then, you wanted to get into a band if you were frustrated with what you heard on the radio. Now it’s more of a career choice.”

*

A clearly moody effect

The Brighton, England, quartet Clearlake is not nearly as ballyhooed as some other acts making their way across the Atlantic, but “Cedars,” the band’s album from last year, has earned some plaudits. A collage of melancholy set to melody, “Cedars” can be as dark as an after-hours Smiths show and as restless as a night in a motel room overlooking a busy freeway. “I think the record is very moody, but I don’t think I particularly am,” songwriter Jason Pegg says. “When I wrote those songs, there were quite a few heavy things going on in my life. I hope that by talking about the negative it is somewhat cathartic.” Produced by ex-Cocteau Twin Simon Raymonde, the album offers churning Britrock (“Almost the Same”) as well as dire ditties (“The Mind Is Evil”). The foursome’s first performance in L.A. -- Friday night at Spaceland as an opening act for the Beachwood Sparks’ spinoff All Night Radio -- comes as Clearlake is “well into our next project,” Pegg says. “I’m quite eager to move us on.”

*

Fast forward

Albums by Death Cab for Cutie, the Long Winters and John Vanderslice gave Seattle indie label Barsuk a hat trick of strong releases last year. Now comes the undeniably Britpoppy “Battery,” by the trio Aveo (Friday at the Knitting Factory).... It’s a weekend of Americana-tinged pop at Spaceland -- New Yorkers-by-way-of-L.A. Gingersol, whose new album is titled “Eastern,” bring their shimmery sounds to the venue Saturday in support of headliner Mary Lou Lord. Lord’s new album, “Baby Blue” (featuring a cover of the Pete Ham classic), is a tuneful collaboration with the Bevis Frond’s Nick Saloman. And if Gingersol’s material recalls “Summerteeth”-era Wilco, stop by the Silver Lake club again on Sunday night for the Autumn Defense, which features Wilco’s John Stirratt in an impressive lineup. That band’s twangy new album is titled “Circles.” ... Speaking of Spaceland, who was the sports-bra-as-outerwear set queuing up to see Tuesday night? Becky, the band featuring Keanu Reeves on bass and “Real World Seattle” veteran Rebecca Lord out front. Becky’s set, while spirited, paled compared to the Peels, who preceded them on stage.... Alt-rock kids Upside showcase at the Viper Room on Monday.... And retro-pop outfit the Monolith plays the Derby on Friday night.