Clinic @ Troubadour, 3/2

Not to lump the Brits into a metaphorical fondue pot, but does anyone find that the voice that leads Clinic matches what Kasabian'''s Tom Meighan would sound like with a speech impediment? Of course, given that Clinic'''s members routinely perform in surgical masks and scrubs, there'''s not necessarily any proof that Ade Blackburn isn'''t Meighan'''s alter ego, and that awkward speech impediment may actually just be an audible interpretation of pain '' chronic stomachache leading to a grit of the teeth, you think? Either way, Blackburn'''s tense moan perfectly complements every aspect of his band, whether in the speed at which he keeps up with every beat or the soft grind his voice adds to each slow drone. If you get up close enough, you might see bassist Brian Campbell letting off a squinty smile through his surgical mask. But Blackburn won'''t smile, '''cause he'''s got to focus on his strain. Luckily for him, this is the first of only eight North American dates on the Visitations tour this year, so he'''ll be able to fix whatever'''s ailing him in no time at all. Far too solid a live act for a venue this small. Bring a scalpel and $7 for Guinness. (CB)