**1/2 Comet Gain

SNEAKY

(Beggars Banquet)

Quadrophenia-era guitars (equal parts chime and bite), rousing and willfully naive lyrics like "What sets us apart is the strength of youth" ("Strength"), Brit-centric themes ("A Film by Kenneth Anger"), and the occasional punchy R&B trumpet and organ arrangements that pepper the group's best tunes. Bower even sings awkwardly (some would say poorly), just like Weller, with a thick English accent and a tendency to go flat on salient lyrics. But Comet Gain's energetic optimism is infectious and just plain likable enough to overcome the limitations of his voice and his Weller obsession, even if a line like "Say yes, let's enjoy the winter" ("Say Yes") pushes the good vibes a little too far.

-- Matt Ashare<