Blitzkrieg Cloud
Cloud Nothings 01/16/2015 : Metro – Chicago, IL
by Brenton Goodrich
Cloud Nothings took the stage late on this night as part of the Tomorrow Never Knows Festival occurring around Chicago. They wasted no time, immediately launching into their brand of blistering post-punk with “Now Hear In”, which leads off newest album Here and Nowhere Else. They take a very workmanlike approach to the live show, barely a pause or word between songs. The intense and melodic riffs stand for themselves. Dylan Baldi’s throaty wail articulates the mental anguish and reflective understanding collectively felt by everyone at some point in their life. I totally dig that he wielded what appeared to be a Gibson ES-335, a semi-hollow bodied guitar not typically seen at hard rock shows. It imparted an airy tone to the explosive tunes delivered to us. They have the exceptional quality of being a hybrid of different uptempo rock styles…something for everyone.
Uninhibited, we were equal parts eyes-closed swaying and mild slam dancing participants. “Psychic Trauma” and “Quieter Today” were early standouts, as well as the churning Fugazi-like “Pattern Walks”. I lost myself when the first charging chords of “Giving Into Seeing” leaped from stage! An intense build up to “Saying something, it’s supposed to be True!” After the catchy “I’m Not Part of Me”, the band broke into one of my favorite songs of the past few years, “Wasted Days”. This 9 minute epic fusion of pulverizing guitar and slow-metal jamming was a phenomenal way to end the set. I saw an excess of energy and sweat from band and crowd alike. The quick exit and return for a one song encore clinched the sensation expertly. The sensation that this band has many solid songs and exhilarating performances ahead of them.
Setlist:
Now Hear In
Stay Useless
Psychic Trauma
Quieter Today
Separation
Fall In
Pattern Walks
Cut You
Giving Into Seeing
No Future/No Past
No Thoughts
I’m Not Part of Me
Wasted Days
Encore:
Just See Fear