Cloud Nothings released an animated video for “Stay Useless” (MP3), a highlight off their excellent album Attack on Memory, released in January. The video, directed by Jack Kubizne, “follows a boy on his way to school on the trusty American school bus, only for it to be taken over by magical forces, whisking him off to faraway lands. If anyone remembers the children’s books and TV series The Magic School Bus, then you may see some similarities here.”

Hopefully you caught the album’s full stream in January. If not, check it out now.

MP3: Cloud Nothings – No Sentiment

MP3: Cloud Nothings – Our Plans

MySpace / BUY

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Cloud Nothings’ new album, Attack on Memory, will not be out until January 24^th, but you can stream it now via Complex. We featured Dylan Baldi and Cloud Nothings almost two years ago, when at the age of 19 his new 7? single, Didn’t You, showed both his love for nostalgic power-pop and contemporary indie-rock. I was very impressed, but it wasn’t quite flawless. I noted that “with some more diversified songwriting, Cloud Nothings could be huge.” That diversity came with their eponymous LP last January. Ever since then, Cloud Nothings have been riding a well-deserved train of acclaim, big enough to wrangle up Steve Albini as the producer for Attack on Memory. Based on what we’re hearing on the stream, Baldi’s continued improvement will not be stopping any time soon.

Stream:

Cloud Nothings – Attack On Memory

And an old favorite:

Cloud Nothings – Strummin

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Sorry this one is a bit late. The Top Albums of 2011 feature kept me busy. I was contemplating merging November and December to make one big compilation, but that wasn’t a good idea seeing how November was a very active month. One of the busiest in the site’s history. So here we are… the largest Obscure Sound compilation ever made. 21 tracks, 83 minutes. I tried to divvy this one up between the more reputable and up-and-coming, since features in November were split about 50/50 between features of new artists and updates on the familiar. So you’ll notice names like Leonard Cohen, The Black Keys, and Paul Weller on the first half. True, some material here won’t be released until 2012 (Dr. Dog, Leonard Cohen, Paul Weller), but these specific tracks were wisely exposed to build anticipation. Explorers Club’s “Sweet Delights” will be released next year as well, though with a new mix spearheaded by Mark Linett. The band is currently putting out three free suites in anticipation of 2012’s full-length Grand Hotel. They are highly recommended.

The second half is not quite entirely unknown. David Lynch’s film work certainly isn’t under-exposed, but his music is — in a sense. I was pleasantly surprised by Lynch’s full-length debut as a musician. Read my review here. It’s one of those albums that just missed the cut for the Top 50. I’ll be compiling a feature of similar just-missed albums in the near future. Also be sure to check out new material from Swells and Oriel Joans; they produce excellent pop music, and are two bands with big years ahead of them.

I realize this one is a bit long. Don’t be intimidated though. I think you’ll find the flow and consistency of this compilation enjoyable.

01. Dr. Dog – That Old Black Hole (post)
02. The Black Keys – Sister (post)
03. Explorers Club – Sweet Delights (under construction mix) (post)
04. Atlas Sound – My Angel Is Broken (post)
05. Leonard Cohen – Show Me the Place (post)
06. Okkervil River – U.F.O. [Jim Sullivan cover] (post)
07. mr. Gnome – Winter (post)
08. Paul Weller – Around the Lake (post)
09. Rare Monk – Shoot Me Down (post)
10. Cass McCombs – The Same Thing (post)
11. of Montreal – Wintered Debts (post)
12. Swells – Lost At Sea (post)
13. Oriel Joans – Chin Up (post)
14. The Strawbs – Part of the Union (post)
15. Cloud Nothings – No Future/No Past (post)
16. David Lynch – Pinky’s Dream (feat. Karen O) (post)
17. Sunbears! – Give Love A Try (post)
18. Kamikaze Hearts – Five Point Turn (post)
19. Feathers – Darklands (post)
20. The Arcadian Kicks – You Play the Girl (post)
21. Game Theory – Erica’s Word (post)

DOWNLOAD ENTIRE COMPILATION>>> (132 MB, .RAR)

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Cloud Nothings – No Future/No Past

I became enamored with Dylan Baldi’s mix of power-pop and alt-rock last year, when I gushed over his 7″ single Didn’t You. Baldi sounded like a thirty or forty-something music vet who grew up on plenty of Sebadoh, Jesus & Mary Chain, Teenage Fanclub, and Matthew Sweet… not a fresh-faced 19-year-old. Like Weezer or The Wrens, one of his most glaring strengths was the ability to turn romanticized simplicities into substantial stylistic journies. Such was the case with the excellent b-side “Even If It Worked Out”, which I enjoyed just as much as “Didn’t You”.

But Baldi is no longer a teenager, and with that comes some polishing of his lo-fi rock ideology with Cloud Nothings. The release of his self-titled debut LP in January asserted this, his intensity and knack for melodic hooks remaining mainstays over a clarified sound. His next album, Attack on Memory, will mark the next stage of growth for Baldi. It helps when Steve Albini is there to lend a helping hand in the studio. But honestly, if you told me a year ago that Albini would fawn over Baldi, I wouldn’t be shocked. If Albini can somehow work with Jarvis Cocker’s sound, then a back-to-the-roots songwriter like Baldi probably seems like a breath of fresh air to Albini. It’s more in line with the sound that he pursued himself as a musician with Big Black and Shellac.

Attack on Memory sounds like an ambitious venture for Baldi. It’s set to contain “higher fidelity, a track clocking in at almost nine minutes, an instrumental, and an overall more plaintive air.” Baldi’s voice is brought up in front of the mix throughout the album, though it’s not meant to overshadow guitar work that’s allegedly more adventurous than any of his previous releases.

You can listen to the album’s opening track “No Future/No Past” above. Baldi’s voice begins with a complacent whimper, gradually evolving into a fierce growl reminiscent of Frank Black. The beginnings tout a minimalistic, percussion-led feel that serve as an essential build-up. The addition of an extra guitar riff just past the one-minute mark starts to peak into the aforementioned ambitious territory. The structure, and its transitioning from a minimal ballad to an emotive power-rocker, will remind many listeners of The Wrens’ best work. Still, even as comparisons to alt-rock from the past two decades is abundant, there is a large dose of originality inherent here — just like the rest of Baldi’s work.

[toggle title=”click for Cloud Nothings’ tour dates”]
11/02 Oxford, MS – Proud Larry’s

11/03 Dallas, TX – Canton Co-op

11/04 Austin, TX – Fun Fun Fun Fest

11/05 Houston, TX – Fitzgerald’s

11/07 Baton Rouge, LA – Spanish Moon

11/08 Atlanta, GA – 529

11/09 Chapel Hill, NC – Local 506

11/10 Washington, DC – Black Cat

11/11 Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenda’s

11/12 Brooklyn, NY – Glasslands *

^ = w/ Crystal Antlers

* = w/ Hoop Dreams[/toggle]

MySpace / BUY

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The Rozzes are a very young band with an extra dose of talent and vigor, similar in mold to recent youthful power-pop successes like Cloud Nothings. Similarly, they possess a musical intellect that presents talent well beyond their years. They are a band to watch closely as they develop into stars. Even if comparisons to groups like The Strokes are persistent at this point due to their similar styles of production, it is impossible to deny The Rozzes’ inseparable talents, especially when the quality of their material is growing at such a rapid rate. Listeners will be shocked when realizing how young these guys are. They have such an astute grasp on the garage-rock sound they’ve achieved in a short time that musicians ten, twenty, and thirty years their senior will scratch their heads, perplexed as to how it comes this naturally to them.

Both chemistry and similar musical genes play roles in The Rozzes’ quick maturing process. The California-based quartet consists of four cousins that grew up in the same house together. Music was a huge part of their lives at an early age and their interest in it grew along with them. As such, their lifetime commitment to music has resulted in a continuous songwriting process. Their debut album will be released for free in the coming months, followed by appearances at multiple festivals throughout August and September.

Judging by their Twitter account, it’s not surprising that The Rozzes have been in contact with Ryan Gentles, manager of The Strokes (and called by some “the sixth Stroke”). They certainly resemble the prestigious indie-rockers at their earliest/best stages. The main chorus in “Leave Without Me” – particularly when lead singer Isaiah Navarro belches out “Tonight let’s start outside / Now you know I’ve got nowhere to hide” – resembles The Strokes’ “Trying Your Luck” on multiple levels. In addition to Navarro’s unavoidable similarity to the scraggly vocals of Julian Casablancas, a fuzzy rhythm guitar is muzzled under a mix of tremolo-laden guitar trickles and evolving bass lines. The three-minute mark introduces a more prominent bass, which is somewhat puzzlingly mixed higher than usual. The spontaneous increase works advantageously though, producing a sound that is hectically infectious but never rushed nor desperately concocted.

Of course, the smoothly crafted hooks help make such comparisons abundant. You can find them in every chorus on “Leave Without Me”, which progresses to be a polished example indicative of the group’s future. That is, sitting comfortably in the role of radio darlings. “Native Sun” is more amateur in its production and spastic rhythmic patterns, the chorus failing to separate itself from the verse like when it was done exceptionally on the aforementioned “Leave Without Me”. But it is a worthwhile nugget nonetheless, showcasing a band clearly learning the ropes and discovering their sound. As something like “Native Sun” proves, ambitious prog-rock is not out of the question for a band with genuine chemistry like The Rozzes. They’re clearly on the path to bigger and better things.

The final mix of “Indians” is another example of the group’s phenomenal pacing and stirring evolution; the latter is occurring right now. With more ferocity and garage-rock vigor than most ‘00s indie-rock groups (The Strokes included), this fast-paced burst of energy brings to mind a recent movement ignited by groups like Cloud Nothings and Smith Westerns. Bringing along a variety of styles from blues and power-pop to the ambitious proto-punk of groups like Television and The Stooges, “Indians” is one example of a revival that listeners should hope to hear more of this decade. It marks a revival that, instead of relying on hype or trendiness, brings back the raw energy and combustible hooks of past rock acts that remain essential to this day – especially after they defied initial misconceptions about their so-called “amateur” approach. Amateur my ass.

RIYL: The Strokes, Cloud Nothings, Smith Westerns, Rooney, Television, The Stooges, Girls, The Babies, Harlem, Wavves, Craft Spells, Real Estate, Surfer Blood, Magic Kids, Best Coast, Crystal Stilts, No Age, Male Bonding, Wild Nothing, Vivian Girls

The Rozzes – Leave Without Me

The Rozzes – Indians

The Rozzes – Native Sun

Official Site / Facebook / MySpace

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September has little value to me beyond the start of football. The weather manages to retain the worst aspects of summer (NYC is 95°F today) as our lifestyles adjust to more focused, goal-driven tasks. Nothing wrong with responsibility, but I’d much prefer to be doing work when it is bitter cold outside. Showing up to work dripping in sweat because of the 20°F difference between the subway, street, and building is not fun at all. But all things must come to an end, including leisure and accessibility. Music fortunately does not have an expiration date though. I am looking forward to fall actually arriving in October so my commute does not involve gallons of sweat, but until then we at least have some great new music. 2010 has been a fantastic year for it and August debuted some great new material. I am proud of this compilation because it offers some great new tracks, with the only “big” name being Arcade Fire. I really think efforts by Lotus Feet, Pop Winds, and Miami Horror will propel them into a more popular state though. Just listen to see why.

01. Arcade Fire – Rococo (post)
02. Lotus Feet – Early Bird (post)
03. Pop Winds – Feel It (post)
04. Altar Eagle – Honey (post)
05. Miami Horror – Holidays (post)
06. Feu Thérèse – Nada (post)
07. Ross Fish – Outside Your Mind (post)
08. Black Mountain – The Hair Song (post)
09. The Hood Internet – Shoeing Horses in 1901 (Phoenix x Why?) (post)
10. Cloud Nothings – Even If It Worked Out (post)
11. Shapiro – All Things Around the Sun (post)
12. Ghost Mall – 40 Nugs (post)
13. Woozy Viper – King Kong (post)
14. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – Home (post)

DOWNLOAD ENTIRE COMPILATION>>> (55.9 MB, .RAR)

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Cloud Nothings is Dylan Baldi, a 19-year-old from Cleveland that creates music his buddies would probably call outdated, if only for the fact that it hearkens back to a time when record stores were relevant. His interpretation of power-pop is not without its modern traits, but overall the result is one of throwback excellence in finding comfort in a sound where repetition is allowed – if not encouraged – when it bears worth repeating. Sure, that sounds like a Yogi-ism, but power-pop’s history has found several constants that separates it from the psychedelic, operatic, and neo-classical work of artists like The Beatles, who are certainly influential in the genre’s sound but are not precisely the most effective example to show what power-pop sounds like (apart from their early material, of course). Contemporary power-pop in the vein of Matthew Sweet, Teenage Fanclub, and The Apples in Stereo has retained part of that original formula, never branching out too ambitiously yet still producing freshly-sounding power-pop. Baldi has some experimental tendencies, so his success will likely be judged on how he is able to juggle ambition and stylistic dependency. Baldi’s new 7″ single, Didn’t You, shows both his love for nostalgic power-pop and contemporary indie-rock.

“Didn’t You” sounds like a dumbed-down Wolf Parade in a sense, with synth progressions that disregard fear of repetition and face occasional struggles as a result; the sound is too much like art-rock, not power-pop, for the amount of repetition. The vocal harmonies will likely be the Cloud Nothings’ selling point, recalling shades of Supergrass’ Gaz Coombes and Teenage Fanclub’s Norman Blake in a hook-laden formula of “woo-oo-eee-oooo”s repeating themselves over synths that could use a bit of messy experimentation. On the musical side, the comparisons are more fitted toward Black Kids though. The song’s strengths are certainly there, but this sounds like it should have followed the power-pop convention and stopped around the two-minute mark. On the bright side, it sounds like the makings of a solid band with a great grasp of power-pop; “Didn’t You” could be the type of song treated as b-side novelty in a decade or so when Cloud Nothings are accomplished. I hate to make it sound so imminent, but their delivery is exceptionally smooth and the hooks should shine brightly once their songwriting is improved.

“Even If It Worked Out” finds Baldi moving toward the alternative-punk category, with power-pop elements fortunately remaining in the structure. Shimmering guitar accompaniments flutter over an even more enthralling synth accompaniment than in “Didn’t You”, as the lyrics tell of romantic difficulties simplistic enough for high school. “I’m sorry we can’t be friends, my heart is overrated,” Baldi sings with a slight snarl. “I don’t like being alone but I don’t like being with you.” He’s also sorry that they can’t be friends and, well, you get the point. A pretty typical breakup song, but it stands as a particularly strong b-side serving as a more expansive foray into diverse stylistic territory. More personal subject matters and musical intricacy could make comparisons to The Wrens ring even louder, but their mastery of both alt-punk and power-pop components are commendable. With some more diversified songwriting, Cloud Nothings could be huge. At the very least, Baldi is way ahead of his years and most peers attempting to pull off a similar sound.

RIYL: Girls, Teenage Fanclub, The Apples in Stereo, Black Kids, Matthew Sweet, Beach Fossils, Smith Westerns, Dum Dum Girls, Vivian Girls, The Morning Benders, Avi Buffalo, Japandroids, Wild Nothing

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Cloud Nothings – Even If It Worked Out

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Cloud Nothings – Didn’t You

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MySpace

BUY

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