Cloud Control - Cloud Control (Album)
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There must be something in the air over the Blue Mountains if the bands emerging from it are anything to go by. 2007 has certainly been a momentous year for the likes of fellow mountain goats, Belles Will Ring and Cloud Control, who have recently released their debut self-titled EP.
After recently supporting Something for Kate during their Sydney round of touring, and attracting the attention of Neil Finn and Rick Maymi from The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Cloud Control have already gained all the right approval.
Listening to their sounds, you develop a fondness for their kind of mellow psychedelic sounds. The four-piece like to dabble in harmonious and gentle tunes that are reminiscent to the likes of Broken Social Scene or even Belle and Sebastian (without quite the quirkiness).
The EP introduces us to the future of Cloud Control with a nice range from their repertoire. The problem with it though is that it might just be a little too pleasant to leave any sort of an after taste.
You know where I’m coming from though – hey? You know those bands who you can’t really fault, but you can’t really rave about either. It was pleasant enough but not really spicy enough.
And this is the issue at hand for any emerging artist I suppose. Whether you put yourselves out there as really cutting edge or controversial, or whether you corner yourself into a “safe zone” where there’s no real place for controversy.
They say that any publicity is good publicity, but is this really applicable when it comes to musicians. In the case of Britney Spears it might, however, no one’s exactly calling her a musician by any standards. I just think that when I listen to a band that I’m previously unfamiliar with, I want it to stir up a real reaction within me. Whether it be a positive or a negative feeling, it needs to make some sort of impact.
And whilst the EP is nice to listen to, the band seems to be comprised of competent, talented musicians, they’re just not experimental enough. In an ever-evolving local music scene, such as that which exists in Australia, this EP just doesn’t possess enough grunt. In really carving out a musical name that will resonate through the heads of eager music fans hungry for some new stuff to sink their teeth into, you’ve got to be memorable.
Having said that, I did really quite enjoy the first two tracks, 'She’s Crazy and She Doesn’t Care' and 'Buffalo Country'. Both are easy-going, fun songs that get your shoulders shimmying from side to side. Just don’t expect any of these songs to get stuck in your head for the next two weeks. It just doesn’t pack enough punch.
