Cloud Nothings – Attack on Memory

The 60s, 70s and 80s have all seen their days in the limelight and have all made a triumphant return into popular music. This is all well and good for those decades and the children for those decades, but I am turning blue as I hold my breath in anticipation of a 90s comeback. It seems I can metaphorically exhale because Cloud Nothings have released an album, ‘Attack on Memory’, which is a beacon signalling the advent of 90s rock’s return.

The opening song, No Future/No Past, sounds like a lesser known Nirvana B-Side. A great song full of angst, raw energy and an emotion of the teenage unknown; not knowing who you are or where you are going.

The rest of the album is an irreverent display of seeming disdain for anything pop. Although the album is rife with big guitar hooks and catchy choruses it is paired with gruff vocals, off beat rhythms, and anti-melodies. Cloud Nothings have also veered toward less radio friendly instrumental interludes.

My favourite song, Wasted Days, splits about halfway through with a jam session that will make your heart beat right out of your chest with excitement. As the tension builds and builds you are left awaiting sweet relief. Momentarily you are given respite as the music slows, but this only adds to the effect of discomfort as the tension rises again this time with the help of the lead singer, Dylan Baldi. Baldi draws you in with his repeated mantra of disappointment, “I thought/I would/Be more/Than this”, until everything explodes into a fury of drums, guitars, and angry yowls.

‘Attack on Memory’ is an exciting album that shows us what youth of today can do with the lives they face. Cloud Nothings’ music seeps into your head so even when your iPod is off you can still hear them play. I highly recommend this album. Listen to it over and over, and as always…

Enjoy.

Punk Rock and Pitchfork

I’ve noticed over the years that the writers and critics over at Pitchfork Media go through phases. Sometimes the highest reviewed music is hip-hop, other times it is electronica, sometimes art rock is super popular. Right now, Punk Rock Revival (as I am calling it) seems to be the latest fad. I am not entirely sure if Pitchfork notices musical trends or creates them, but the bands under the aforementioned genre are something to be listened to.

Don’t expect your typical punk rock, like NOFX, Pennywise, The Ramones, or the Sex Pistols. The latest acts in punk rock are changing its sound. The Refused may have been on to something when they declared their epochal album, The Shape of Punk to Come. Bands such as, WU LYF, F**ked Up, and Iceage are mixing many types of music and roughing up the edges. WU LYF acknowledge this by self-identifying as “Heavy Pop”. F**ked Up is probably the most traditional of the three, but sounds more like if Phil Spector produced a punk album. It is super heavy on the guitar and immensely deep with sound.

Iceage, the Danish phenomenon who just recieved “Best New Music” from Pitchfork, sounds like deconstructed Punk Rock. Listen closely and you can detect elements of Industrial and Art Rock too, with an epic build up.

Here are three songs to sample from each band.

Enjoy.

F**ked Up – The Other Shoe

WU LYF – LYF

Iceage – White Rune