The Clarences: “Plea Bargain Market” (Lost In Space Mix) – a vibrant and dynamic musical landscape

From the fertile and fantastically quirky minds that comprise The Clarences – the Oakland-hatched brainchild of Robert A. Medeiros, a creative force who initially found himself adrift in a world devoid of a Mego Green Lantern action figure, later blossoming with the ethereal vocal harmonies of Erin Shannon (an encounter that unfolded, quite remarkably, amidst the resonant hum of a B-52 aircraft) and the uniquely charming sensibilities of Leslie Outhier (whose introduction to the fold occurred, with equal improbability, on a Canadian bunny farm) – arrives a sonic tapestry woven from the most unexpected and intriguing threads.

This enigmatic trio, responsible for the self-titled compilation album “The Clarences”, a lovingly remixed and remastered collection spanning their formative years from 2006 to 2018, now offers us a tantalizing and deeply resonant glimpse into their singular artistic world with the captivating single “Plea Bargain Market” (Lost In Space Mix). This particular iteration of “Plea Bargain Market”, meticulously and thoughtfully reimagined in 2022 by the skilled hand of Ryan Witting, presented courtesy of the discerning ears at The Rockin’ You All Night Radio Network, is far more than a simple sonic refresh; it’s a profound recalibration that propels the original track into an entirely new and captivating orbit all its own.

To attempt to rigidly confine its genre within neat and tidy boxes would be a disservice, though astute listeners will undoubtedly detect the playful and inventive DNA of Alt-Pop, the dramatic and theatrical flair of Art-rock, and even a subtle, almost subliminal shimmer of Broadway’s inherent theatricality, all unexpectedly and expertly stirred with a clandestine whisper of disco’s infectious rhythmic pulse. Just when you believe you have finally and confidently nailed down its sonic identity, The Clarences with characteristic artistic mischief, deftly pull the rug out from under your feet, leaving you not frustrated, but rather delightfully disoriented and eager to explore further.

The sonic journey of “Plea Bargain Market” (Lost In Space Mix) gracefully commences and concludes in an ethereal and deeply evocative realm, anchored by the poignant and resonant embrace of strings, expertly rendered by the talented Kate Weeks on viola. This delicate and beautifully crafted framework tenderly cradles a vibrant and dynamically ever-shifting musical landscape. The very heart of the track pulses with a compelling mid-tempo bounce, expertly propelled by the crisp and articulate snap of Pete Ffrench‘s drums and the fluid, almost conversational undulations of the bassline, all meticulously underscored by the rich and resonating chords of the piano.

This is not a static music arrangement, but rather one that breathes and organically evolves, with each carefully considered instrumental layer contributing to a cohesive and dynamic whole, while the subtle yet impactful harmonies, further enriched by the spectral beauty of Josie Shrader‘s backing vocals, add an additional layer of captivating depth and texture.

However, it is within the seemingly sparse lyrical confines of “Plea Bargain Market” (Lost In Space Mix) that The Clarences truly and unequivocally showcase their profound mastery of emotional conveyance. With a striking and deliberate economy of language, they manage to unlock and reveal a surprising and significant depth of emotional complexity. Eschewing the conventions of elaborate or winding narratives, the lyrics instead operate as a series of raw, exposed nerves, each carefully chosen and repeated phrase carrying the considerable weight of unspoken histories, lingering regrets, and the often-fraught complexities of human interaction.

The opening lines of the track immediately plunge the listener into a palpable space of remorse and self-reflection, a stark and honest confession of unintended hurt inflicted upon another. The insistent and almost hypnotic repetition of certain key phrases acts as a haunting mantra, a desperate and perhaps futile attempt not only at achieving a measure of self-absolution but also at forging a fragile connection with the injured party through the potential for shared understanding and acknowledgment. The singer’s repeated and almost insistent acknowledgment of their “own scene” subtly hints at a deeply personal context, an individual framework within which their actions, however regrettable and hurtful, are perhaps intrinsically and inextricably woven into the fabric of their being.

The subsequent and almost pleading request for understanding, the quiet yet powerful assertion that “I know that you’ve seen,” strongly suggests a shared and perhaps complicated past, a silent witness to the speaker’s inherent flaws and the potentially uncomfortable dynamics that define their relationship. This isn’t merely a solitary apology echoing forlornly in the empty void; it’s a vulnerable hand reaching out across a chasm of misunderstanding, desperately seeking validation and even a fleeting glimmer of comprehension from the one they have wronged.

The final, seemingly simple, couplet delivers a profoundly impactful and sobering resolution to this recurring cycle of regret and apology. In the stark and self-aware acknowledgment that their most defining skill, perhaps their most consistent action, seems to be “spending half my life apologizing,” the speaker transcends the realm of mere fleeting remorse and confronts a deeply ingrained and potentially destructive pattern of behavior that has come to define a significant portion of their existence.

This isn’t a casual or easily dismissed expression of regret; it’s a raw and unflinching admission of a life partially, and perhaps tragically, consumed by the arduous and often humbling act of seeking forgiveness. This single, powerfully delivered admission elevates the seemingly simple repetition of earlier phrases into a poignant and deeply resonant portrait of a relationship fundamentally shaped by repeated missteps and the enduring, often emotionally taxing, burden of continuous reconciliation.

With “Plea Bargain Market” (Lost In Space Mix), The Clarences masterfully demonstrate the often-underestimated power of lyrical minimalism. In deliberately stripping away the superfluous and the unnecessary, they amplify the raw and vulnerable emotional core of the song. Ultimately proving that sometimes, the fewest and most carefully chosen words can resonate with the greatest and most enduring force, painting a vivid and unforgettable sonic picture of human fallibility and the often-arduous, yet ultimately essential, path towards genuine understanding and forgiveness. It prompts deep introspection and a newfound appreciation for the profound depth and complexity that can be so effectively conveyed within apparent lyrical simplicity. At the end of the day, The Clarences allow their music to do the talking.