Clones of Clones’ latest single, “Somebody Else” — released last Tuesday and already soaking up thousands of plays — sounds true to form for the band, but with a decidedly sunnier temperament than earlier titular single “Monster Heart.”

The playful lyricism on “Somebody Else” serves as a distraction from the cheerless subtext.

“That’s how I deal with sad things sometimes,” says lead singer Ben Payes. “No one wants to delve into complete sadness when sad times are approaching.”

If you think Clones of Clones actually sounds like a clone of some other band you can’t seem to put a finger on — well, the group is OK with that.

“Good music is rooted in something familiar and comfortable,” Payes is quoted as saying on the band’s press site. Clearly, thousands of others agree.

Clones of Clones plays Aug. 28 at IOTA Club and Café.

In 2013, Clones of Clones arrived on the scene with its Neighborhoods EP, produced by Justin Long, who’s worked with local rockers U.S. Royalty. The EP made locals take notice, but it sounded more commercial than the band wanted in the long run. So when Clones of Clones picked up a new guitarist — Arlington’s Todd Evans — and a new producer later that year, it spent two years making its first album and finding a different sound along the way.

Lead vocalist Ben Payes, who lives in Silver Spring, says the band’s goal was to sound “less Everclear” and “more Pixies.” It certainly achieved that. With “Monster Heart,” Clones of Clones interlaces restrained verses with a menacing plod — something like the footsteps of a beast — while Evans’ wailing guitar kicks up soot. “Look at what you’ve done to me,” Payes pleads. “Give me more!”

Fans might be surprised to know that most of Payes’ songs are based loosely on a relationship that took place almost 10 years ago. The pain he felt then has a way of creeping back.

“I can still feel that emotion,” says Payes, 29. “The anxiety, frustration. But I’m also writing about a larger concept, and that’s what I want someone to take away from our music.”

It seems the musician, in his unyielding quest for clarity and evolution, has plumbed new depths in his writing — and it seems worth the search, even if he had to hazard murky waters to get there.

Clones of Clones plays DC9 May 7.