Combining an instinctive feel for lyrical songcraft with pop sensibilities, the Clinic have developed a winning sound in the vibrant and visceral traditions of roots rock and acoustic alternative pop. With a nod to the influences of notable luminaries such as Dave Matthews Band, John Mellencamp and Tom Waits, the Clinic cleverly craft a unique brand of Americana which fairly gleams with a luminous guitar-vocal glaze, syncopated rhythms, and hook-laden melodies.

On the Clinic's new CD, Cycles, the Effingham, Illinois duo of Peter Bonutti and Danny Ricketts seemlessly mesh Bonutti's flowing guitar textures with Ricketts' broad lyrical range -- one which spans from evocative social commentary to gutsy self-examination. Recorded in Los Angeles at House Of Blues and Rhumba -- and helmed by New York producer Richard Kaye -- the 10-song CD reverberates with poignancy and grace of purpose throughout. As if the strength of their music wasn't enough, the Clinic's melliferous sonic blend is further sweetened by a cerebral, yet straight-from-the-hip approach to their songs' lyrics. From the entrancing visual imagery evoked by the album's first single, "Painting A Picture," to the eloquent intellection of "These Days," and the stark admonitions of "The Truth," Ricketts and Bonutti demonstrate an uncanny knack for knowing when to whisper, and when to roar. "I would say that in most of our songs, I try to convey a message," offers Danny, whose fluid vocal deliveries capture both the head and heart. "I'm an observer," he adds. "That's what I do."

These slice-of-life observations so abundant on the Clinic's debut release, Every Day Has Its Dog, first unleashed the pair's penchant for crisp ballads, funk-driven confessionals, and roadhouse-styled rock tunes upon an unsuspecting local music scene, receiving accolades from both the press and fans alike. Two of that CD's singles, "Morning Rain," and "Searchin' For Something," garnered coveted "Up and Coming" status in Gavin's Top 40, as well as an impressive amount of attention from journalists across the state. "Peter's a creative monster," states Ricketts when asked about the songwriting process behind the unassuming duo's success. "We'll sit down and he'll come up with three or four songs instantly." Adds Peter: "Danny has a wealth of musical experience: as a singer, songwriter, drummer and percussionist -- he'll come up with a lyrical idea because he feels the music."

Musically and lyrically, the Clinic has something to offer just about every music fan. A rare and beautiful eclecticism pervades their music, one that no doubt has something to do with Danny's and Peter's otherwise very different life paths. Danny has been an musician in Effingham since childhood (recording his first effort at the tender age of 11), whereas Peter -- in addition to being an accomplished guitarist and songwriter -- also happens to be a renowned orthopedic surgeon and inventor who has traveled the world. "We both wanted to write original music," explains Peter of their seemingly unlikely collaboration. "Danny and I see life completely differently, and I think that's why we've become such good friends and work so well together." While their first meeting-of-the-minds at a local nightclub was very much a chance encounter, the  music -- and the magic -- they've created together since leaves little doubt as to where the Clinic is headed. "The contrast of our lifestyles  allows us to approach our music in a unique way -- it inspires us to find common ground," says Peter. Concludes Danny: "It's two different worlds colliding to convey a message that's universal."