So, on Thursday’s, I like to try and bring you a review of some sort. Recently, I decided to ask a few friends to review a few things every now and then. First up is my friend Chris Willis; you can read more by him here.
Cloud control is an Australian band that was recommended to me by a friend after discussing the SoCal band Local Natives. Being a fan of the latter and somebody who doesn’t shy away from the continuous hunt for new artists, I decided to give the group a chance. Upon first listen, their 2010 debut, Bliss Release, provided me with a rich tapestry of music to pick apart with the mentality of a surgeon. The harmonizing of lead vocalist Alister Wright with keyboardist Heidi Lenffer doesn’t quite match the quality of other, more established indie rock bands but it is a much appreciated addition to the beautiful tracks laid down by the band. The songs themselves are played with what seems like a breezy disposition yet pack a gut punch of depth that’s akin to Vampire Weekend and the aforementioned Local Natives.
Categorizing Cloud Control’s genre is a daunting task. If the lead single, “Gold Canary”, was transposed in the 60’s, it would have fit like a glove, yet not all of the tracks can be labeled as such. “Just for Now” has such a syrupy, folky feel to it that its close proximity to tracks “Gold Canary” and “This is What I Said” amplifies the effect of those more dance inducing tracks. Add to that trio the following track, “The Rolling Stone”, and you have a string of four tracks that could be found on four separate albums. This chameleon like artistry is what makes Bliss Release the kind of album whose strengths change depending on the listener, or that listener’s attitude at that given moment.
Clocking in at a brief 38 minutes, this debut ends with the listener wanting more, but having to hit replay and wait for the next album from the Aussies. This is evidenced by closing track “Beast of Love”, which plays at a much slower pace and has Heidi Lenffer taking over lead vocals. Her beautiful crooning proves too gripping to ignore and too wounded to not love. As far as 2010 first efforts go, Bliss Release quickly shot to the top of my personal favorites list trailing tremendous albums by the now thrice mentioned Local Natives and the eardrum shattering Treats by Sleigh Bells. Not much you do today will provide more pleasing results than a listen to Cloud Control but that’s just one man’s humble opinion.
Grace and Peace,
David
