The show was an aggressive post punk experience. Had the music been louder and more forceful it would nearly have been unbearable. I guess i'm not hardcore enough? It just seems to me that when the music is that loud it becomes hard to discern what you're hearing. Melody is distorted, lyrics unintelligible and guitar solos pointless. Somehow the mosh-pit of frenzied youth (vigorously nodding to the beat like possessed bobble heads and pushing each other in circles like dervishes of teen angst) didn't seem to mind at all. Nor did one clearly middle-aged man who was on the upper deck bobbing, jumping and fist pumping as though he were in the mosh-pit below. He probably would have been, but I don't think his date would've liked it very much. In any case, before you get the impression that I totally hated the show let me say that really I didn't. Seriously.
I was in a pretty bad mood before I saw the show. Blame it on my own residual teen-like angst. So when I recovered from how loud it was and stopped giggling in awe at the absurdity of the mosh-pit, I started to get in to the music. The result was an oddly cathartic punch in the face that left my ears ringing and me feeling curiously emptied of all that negative energy i'd been dragging around all day. It was as if it was all being acted out on stage. If my anxiety made noise, it might sound something like a furiously thrashing guitar.
I know what you're thinking: "Duh, that's the point!"
And maybe, you're right. But wait, No. There is more to this experience.
After the show I listened to Cloud Nothings latest album, and must admit I enjoyed it more than the live show.
I know what you're thinking: "Duh, that's the point!"
And maybe, you're right. But wait, No. There is more to this experience.
After the show I listened to Cloud Nothings latest album, and must admit I enjoyed it more than the live show.
Why?
1. I could hear the singers voice and the lyrics with clarity.
2. I could hear the guitar solos, not just the drums.
3. The Songs had dynamic variety, building from soft to loud, a facet missing from the live renderings.
4. The songs had great energy, and were still balanced in their delivery.
5. I wasn't distracted by the spasms of rabid fans.
6. When it was over, I didn't have a headache.
6. When it was over, I didn't have a headache.
I'm left wondering, why can't this balance be harnessed in live performance. I know, in any genre, that is a challenge to achieve the right levels in live performance but seriously...someone needed to turn that shit down.
To be fair, this music really isn't my schtick. It has an assaulting quality that can excite you, but seems driven by its energy rather than it's content. I can appreciate it, and listen to it in moderation but other than stacking it up to my own taste, i'm not the best person to scrutinize it. The lyrics, when you can hear them are pretty standard indie fare. With compelling one liners, thoughtful verses, occasional metaphors and just enough ambiguity we can be convinced that they are on to something deep.
I can't be critical of the lyrics.
The only lyrics I could make out clearly all night was "No Future, No Past" from the song of the same title, which incidentally is also my favorite track from their newest Record "Attack on Memory." They used the song as an encore, and clearly recognize it's value to their set. It was one of the few instances in which they scaled back on the volume and started in more hushed tones. Not surprisingly, the muted approach with a simple but accentuated guitar solo was met with an uproar of applause. I had to smirk to myself thinking "of course everyone loves it when you can actually hear what the guitarist is playing."
I guess they were saving it for the end?
It is fitting that Cloud Nothings is committed to living in the moment, because I fear for this bands staying power. They've got something to offer the music community but in a few short years they are likely to be replaced by another College start-up with a fresher breed of disquietude.
Until then, if you attend one of their live concerts, bring ear-plugs.
To be fair, this music really isn't my schtick. It has an assaulting quality that can excite you, but seems driven by its energy rather than it's content. I can appreciate it, and listen to it in moderation but other than stacking it up to my own taste, i'm not the best person to scrutinize it. The lyrics, when you can hear them are pretty standard indie fare. With compelling one liners, thoughtful verses, occasional metaphors and just enough ambiguity we can be convinced that they are on to something deep.
I can't be critical of the lyrics.
The only lyrics I could make out clearly all night was "No Future, No Past" from the song of the same title, which incidentally is also my favorite track from their newest Record "Attack on Memory." They used the song as an encore, and clearly recognize it's value to their set. It was one of the few instances in which they scaled back on the volume and started in more hushed tones. Not surprisingly, the muted approach with a simple but accentuated guitar solo was met with an uproar of applause. I had to smirk to myself thinking "of course everyone loves it when you can actually hear what the guitarist is playing."
I guess they were saving it for the end?
It is fitting that Cloud Nothings is committed to living in the moment, because I fear for this bands staying power. They've got something to offer the music community but in a few short years they are likely to be replaced by another College start-up with a fresher breed of disquietude.
Until then, if you attend one of their live concerts, bring ear-plugs.
