Based out of Akron, Ohio, Comfort Clouds describe their new album Three New Sciences as being made “by people who grew up more with Steely Dan and Brazilian music than garage or punk rock.” This is quite apparent on nonchalant stunner “Pony”, which blends the imperfect yet aptly passionate vocals of a Steely Dan or Robert Wyatt with gorgeous guitar harmonies and woozy brass accompaniments, the brass implemented similar to how Destroyer regaled listeners with the late-night pop atmosphere throughout Kaputt. The male-female vocal harmonizing, courtesy of guitarist Jacob Trombetta and saxophonist Jennifer Anne Court, adds some stunning flair that reminds heavily of Prefab Sprout’s one-two vocal punch of Paddy McAloon and Wendy Smith. In Comfort Clouds’ case, Jennifer Anne Court is an audible difference-maker, both her sensational brass and flute additions contributing immensely to Comfort Clouds’ sound. Her flute work on the equally successful “Diamond” impresses as well. Also check out the hypnotic “Summer Dress”, which sounds like David Byrne and Swans collided. Comfort Clouds are a promising group with fascinating influences that contribute to their exotic and engaging sound. Stream the impressive Three New Sciences in full below:
Comfort Clouds – “Pony”
by Mike Mineo
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Mike Mineo
I'm the founder/editor of Obscure Sound, which was formed in 2006. Previously, I wrote for PopMatters and Stylus Magazine.
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