With Justin Timberlake still on his campaign to bring sexy back, a cover of one of his best-known hits could easily be interpreted as coattail-riding.

But ask Cliks frontman Lucas Silveira why he chose to rework Cry Me A River as a bluesy rocker, and you'll learn his motives weren't exploitive.

"I was going through a situation in my life where I had also just come out of a long-term relationship, and I really connected with the song," says Silveira of the kiss-off track, written by Timberlake in the wake of his breakup with Britney Spears. "But there was something about it that made me think, 'This guy sounds pretty mellow about being pissed off.' I thought it deserved more of an aggressive edge."

That edge can be felt all over the band's CD Snakehouse, due April 24. Written by Silveira, and recorded with bandmates Jordan B. Wright (bass) and Morgan Doctor (drums), the album deals not only with love and loss, but also with how our viewpoints help us relate to those around us.

Of course, Silveira would have to admit most people probably can't relate to his circumstances. Born a woman, he realized only recently that his biological gender was out of step with his heart, so he made the decision to begin living as a transgendered man.

"It's a focal point only because I'm open and honest about it," says Silveira. "I've had nothing but great experiences within the music industry, and if people need an explanation, I'm happy to provide them with one ... But I don't think it's my responsibility to be who I am for anybody else. I do feel a certain sense of responsibility to be honest for myself, but only because I'm not ashamed of it."

Similarly, Silveira hopes listeners can see past the fact that his bandmates are women, and accept them instead as simply the newest addition to the rock fold. See for yourself when The Cliks hit the West End on Tuesday.