If you're into simple pleasures, Whistler is the band for you. Their combination of acoustic guitar, viola and occasional Jew's harp creates sound that's lazy, serene and gently elegant; listening to Whistler is like savoring a tall glass of chilled lemonade on a hot summer day. Be careful of that last swallow of lemonade, though -- it's likely to be bitter. Though songs like "Closing Time" and "Heaven Help Me" sound shamelessly pastoral, their lyrics hide undercurrents of disappointment and yearning -- more often than not, these cheery melodies are only a brave face, concealing anger, scorn, vitriol and desperation. Vocalist Kerry Shaw has a knack for delivering acidic lyrical sentiments without losing her breathy charm, even when the music invites an edgier approach, as with the uneasy, burgeoning melody/percussion stomp of "Rare American Shoes". Regardless of the mood, the combination of viola, guitar and Shaw's voice is gorgeous; with Whistler as a daydream-soundtrack on a breezy summer day, you'll have no trouble enjoying the music and dismissing lyrical negativity as something that happens to other people.