tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29345538.post4667070230945667037..comments2024-01-14T03:26:30.071-05:00Comments on Ryan's Smashing Life : an Appreciation for Cloud NothingsRyan Spauldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401858408851940636noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29345538.post-42378266021213711542012-03-14T07:56:58.672-04:002012-03-14T07:56:58.672-04:00Here we go!
Thank you for posting about Cloud No...Here we go! <br /><br />Thank you for posting about Cloud Nothings - Attack On Memory.<br /><br />Now, admittedly, I have hopped on the Cloud Nothings bandwagon late, and my introduction to them was in fact Attack On Memory, which I have been playing on repeat since stumbling across a review of it in RS. <br /><br />So I will not act like I am some Cloud Nothings expert, but it is definitely one of the best Rock albums to come out in a long time along with The Joy Formidable's "The Big Roar."<br /><br />This post actually inspired me to go back and check out Cloud Nothings' prior albums. I dig the older stuff as well, but like you said it is definitely more poppy and bright sounding, however it still retains that real Rock edge. I can safely say that if I had not listened to Attack On Memory first and known where Cloud Nothings were heading musically before checking out their previous work, I would not have enjoyed the older albums as much. I can appreciate the previous music and dig into it more now knowing what the Cloud Nothings are. <br /><br />I also have to respectfully disagree with your thought on the instrumental sections on the record. I never felt like they were too long or over-the-top while lsitening, and I think that they actually show an admirable amount of restraint during these sections that are meant to add tension to the songs, which they do achieve. <br /><br />The Cloud Nothings and Attack On Memory are a breath of fresh air for me. First off, it is refreshing to see a band that is developing naturally (not due to gimmicks) while proving that the music is still what is most important. They are definitely building a career by taking the slow burn apporach and not concerning themselves with instant fame built upon unfounded hype. As for Attack On Memory, it is awesome to hear a record that is not cookie cutter and where each track has its own distinct personality. The album opener "No Future/No Past" has Radiohead overtones in the initial vocal delivery and effect, while it later morphs into Cobain territory in terms of angst and rage (which you so accurately described.) And then, tracks like "Stay Useless" remind of The Stroke at certain points with their infectious hooks and upbeat tempos. <br /><br />Overall, thank you for this post and your analysis/background which lead me to delve into their previous releases. Cloud Nothings is a band that truly deserves the praise and ink they are getting. <br /><br />Keep up the good work, and I will definitely be following your future posts to see what else you are enjoying! <br /><br />Thank you!<br /><br />PS And any band would be lucky to have Steve Albini in the studio playing Facebook Scrabble.Await Rescuehttp://www.awaitrescue.comnoreply@blogger.com