Until recently, The Clumsy Lovers were mostly known for their live performances. Mainly touring the Pacific Northwest pub scene, the band mixes together rock, bluegrass and a bit of Celtic rock. Consisting of Jason Homey (banjo and mandolin), Chris Jonat (bass and vocals), Andrew Lewis (fiddle and vocals), Gord Robert (drums) and Trevor Rodgers (vocals, guitar, harmonica and percussion) The Clumsy Lovers bring something new and refreshing to the rock scene. Prior to After the Flood, The Clumsy Lovers produced nearly an album a year on an independent label. Unfortunately, they never had much commercial success, and usually the only people that bought the album were the people who had enjoyed the band's live performances. Therefore, they decided to work more on instrumental arrangements and hire a producer to produce a record on a bigger label. Clearly, their efforts were incredibly successful; the enticing arrangement of the instrumentals is the first thing that attracts the listener to the music.
Upon hearing the CD, the main features that catches the listener's attention are the banjo and fiddle. It is very uncommon to hear these instruments included in rock songs. Even though most of the band members are from Canada, the songs suggest a Southern flavor. "Better Me," the album's opening track, compels one to get up and dance around the room. It's peppy, fun and has all the workings of a good song. Once again, the banjo solo in the middle of the song provides for a little unconventionality, making The Clumsy Lovers different than the average rock band. The banjo playing by Homey is also amazing. It's fast-paced and stands out in every song.

Homey's banjo also comes out in "Groove Set" which is a purely instrumental track. Some of his combinations are breathtaking. One can almost picture the incredible experience of seeing him live, his fingers racing over his banjo, which is why it's not surprising that the band was so successful on the pub circuit.

Lewis' fiddle also compliments Homey very well. Often, they do combinations together. The way they play off of each other adds to the excitement of each song.

The first few songs are more of a rock persuasion. The banjo and fiddle add some bluegrass flavor, but these are the songs that one would expect to hear on the radio. However, with the fifth track, "House and Home," the album shifts dramatically toward bluegrass. It is slightly reminiscent of Johnny Cash, but even more so of Blues Traveler.
They have a bit of that drawl, but it doesn't seem forced like the ones some other bands attempt-it's just natural and a part of their style. The Johnny Cash element appears mostly in the song "Amen." Similar to Cash's style, the song is a narrative in that there is a constant rhythm in the background while the lyrics tell the story, leading into the chorus. This element also appears in the song "Miss You Much," although not as strongly as in "Amen."

"Amen" is followed by the album's title track, which is a sweet ballad. For the most part, this song is stripped down to just a guitar and drums with the occasional fiddle in the chorus. After the Flood, really shows the band's versatility in playing all different types of music, an element of musicianship that makes them great.

After the next song, the album begins to move into a mellower mode. "Waterbound" sounds like a square dance but it is followed by "Spare in the Trunk," which is softer and not as lively. However, it still inspires singing along, as do the rest of the songs on the album.

As demonstrated in the song "Checking Out," every once in a while The Clumsy Lovers lapse into a punkish vibe. While it is rarely followed through into the whole song, many intros, including this one, suggest a punk feel even though the song might actually be smoother than predicted by the intro.

The Clumsy Lovers are a refreshing addition to the rock scene. It is no surprise that they have attracted such fans as fellow Canadian Tyler Stewart of the Barenaked Ladies. Their talented utilization of their instruments is undeniably wonderful. Not only do their songs make the listener want to get out of her seat and dance around the room, but their lyrics are soulful and enchanting as well.