Cloud Nothings - Here and Nowhere Else (2014)

This Cleveland-based band is back, after their wonderful 2012 release, Attack on Memory. Compared to that album, they've made a couple of steps forwards and a couple of steps backwards. For example, on the positive side, they've tailored the music more towards singer-songwriter-guitarist Dylan Baldi's vocal range, losing some of the raw nature of his vocals (and their sound). However, on the negative side, they've tailored the music more towards singer-songwriter-guitarist Dylan Baldi's vocal range, losing some of the raw nature of his vocals (and their sound). It's a yin and a yang here.

But ultimately what's missing here is depth -- depth of great songs, depth of musical arrangements, and depth in terms of sonic variety. While Attack on Memory had great moments and a solid group of surrounding songs, Here and Nowhere Else doesn't really have a single song that matches with the top four songs on Attack. I think they really miss second guitarist Joe Boyer, who is can't leave the state of Ohio for "undisclosed legal reasons." From a practical perspective, this means a lack of two guitar and/or keyboard interplay, leaving most of the sound bunching up right in the middle. It's a little too muddy, without enough separation.

Cloud Nothings - "Now Hear In"

It's still a very good, very solid album. It just needs more tonal separation across the board.

CD Placement Rating:  Portable CD Player.

- Snilch

10 Songs I'm Constantly Listening to These Days

In alphabetical order:

1. Able Baker Fox - "Stuttering" (2008)

2. Alvvays - "Adult Diversion" (2014)

3. bis - "Cubis (I Love You)" (2014)

4. Cloud Nothings - "Cut You" (2012)

5. Dum Dum Girls - "Cult of Love" (2014)

6. Future Islands - "Seasons (Waiting on You)" (2014)

7. King Tuff - "Headbanger" (2014) (there's a cameo from Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols)

8. Tralala - "No Pain No Pain" (2005 - great for the harmonies alone)

9. TV on the Radio - "Happy Idiot" (2014)

10. The War on Drugs - "Under the Pressure"

- Snilch

The Eighth Blog of Christmas: Cloud Nothings - Attack on Memory (2012)

Thanks to Paul H. for suggesting this one.  On a first listen, the rock snob in me came out in full force, noting the  straightforward, repetitive lyrics and a somewhat simplistic guitar approach.  Rock snob was not impressed.

But sometimes you have to intellectualize your music, and other times you need to just calm the f*** down, take a step back, and enjoy.  And that's what I ended up doing, much to my benefit.  

The approach here is deceptively simple:  there is actually a lot going on and a well thought-out approach, but it doesn't open up on that first listen.  The lyrics?  Turns out that they work -- even when completely repetitive, they actually still say a lot to the listener.  I had to beat the snob up a bit, but all 17 of my personalities eventually got on board here.

To classify it:  Cloud Nothings is alternative/indie loud guitar that wavers between rock, pop, and punk. The music is catchy.  There's a great rhythm section that plows things along in a great way throughout.  The vocals are their own -- you will like them or hate them (they grew on me).  Highlights for me include "Stay Useless," "Wasted Days," and "Our Plans."

This and Bob Mould - Silver Age are probably my two favorite albums of 2012.  (Well, that I can think of right now.  I do have another four blogs to go.)  Both are strong from front to back, with serious standout tracks throughout.  Attack on Memory is highly recommended for those who want to hear the damn TRUTH in under 35 minutes.

CD Placement Rating:  Where else?  Car CD Changer.

- Snilch