Cloud Nothings Blow Into Town
I first heard Cloud Nothings “Hey Cool Kids,” this past December on KEXP. With its instantly-catchy hook and sarcastic lyrics I was instantly roped into the Cloud Nothings hype. Foregoing studying for my pending school finals, some nocturnal internet research would reveal that Cloud Nothings was actually just 18 year-old Dylan Baldi. Baldi’s debut album Turning On would be painstakingly recorded, with the Cleveland college student using one mic and individually recording each instrument. Turning On is fun to listen to on many levels. On the surface it’s loud, chaotic and dotted with ‘don’t-give-a-shit’ lyrics. However when you give the album a chance you are greatly rewarded. Listen closely, and the layers of sound and reverb peel away to reveal sophisticated rhythms and harmonies. Obviously many others agree, as Turning On, released as a cd-r and tape by Bridgetown Records, would be traded amongst bloggers and aficionados and quickly gained cult status. As the buzz mounted Baldi weighed his career options. He would proceed do what any smart-minded young rock prodigy would do. He dropped out of college, played his first live show with Real Estate and Woods, and since then there has been no turning back. Since December, Baldi has released a string of recordings, including a re-release of Turning On on Speakertree records.
Cloud Nothings are now hitting the road opening for WAVVES. With TJ Duke, Jayson Gerycz and Joe Boyer in tow, Cloud Nothings’ brazen songs really come to life. Lucky for us Montrealers, they’ll be stopping by to play at Il Motore this Sunday, June 20th. We highly urge you to come check out Cloud Nothings, we promise you’ll have yourself of a good time. If you want to know what to expect here are some live videos of Baldi and co. doing their thing.
