A few weeks ago a coworker suggested I check out a song by this group that he heard on the radio and thought I would like. Later that week another friend on Facebook happened to post another track off of this album, so I decided that I should get myself a copy and see what the fuss was about. This set me on a quest to find a physical copy of the album; after some traveling and two stores I was able to obtain a copy, Avid Reader, which is bad news for you.
My favorite thing to do when I get brand new music like this is to listen to it without doing much extra reading and research so I can pull a few things before my suspicions are confirmed. From the drum sound I had a feeling that Steve Albini was in on this album as engineer; truth. I also pulled some Fugazi influence as there was that confessional punk vibe on these tracks; more truth. These factors and the lo-fi production made for an interesting listen.
From what I gather, after doing some reading, this album is a departure from earlier records Cloud Nothings have put out. I get the impression that previous releases were lighter in content and not as abrasive. To be honest with you; I’m glad that I found this album and not something earlier, as that might have turned me off to their music. I liked that fact that these songs were fast, raw, and loud. The stop/start guitars and that thick drum sound were all over these tracks while the vocals pushed everything to the edge.
Bands don’t make records like this anymore, which is sad. Of the eight tracks you should check: “Our Plans”, “Wasted Days”,”Cut You” and “Stay Useless”. This album is worth the search — and good luck finding a copy somewhere. I would let you borrow mine but I’m afraid you won’t give it back, so go find your own.
