REVIEWS

The Clouds Are Ghosts
The Clouds Are Ghosts

Posted: Monday, February 08, 2010
By: Ilker Yücel
Editor

If the somber trip-hop of Portishead and Massive Attrack were to have a lascivious affair with the psychedelic shoegazing of early Pink Floyd, the result would be akin to the sound produced on the debut album by The Clouds Are Ghosts. Hailing from Austin, Texas, the band travels a unique path of electroacoustic dream-pop that will surely remind listeners of some of their favorite ambient trip-hop groups, but without sounding like a carbon copy. Part of this is due to Jason Morris' vocals, demonstrating a range and a command of melody that is not often heard in underground pop music, climb to exhilarating highs that carry songs like "Change" and "Learning" into unforeseen emotional realms. Also notable is his ability to harmonize, particularly evident on "Atomic Daydream" as his vocal layers create a pillow of ambience atop a restrained but energetic drum & bass beat. However, when listening to The Clouds Are Ghosts, it becomes clear that this is an ensemble effort as everything from electro beats and synthesizers bounce off of weeping violins, lush pianos, and crystalline guitars. The interplay among Morris and band mates Erin Fillingame, Jason Flitcraft, and Steven Paul - especially when considering that all contribute on multiple instruments - creates a depth of sound usually reserved for orchestral arrangements. From the aquatic dreaminess of "We Are Not Alone" to the blistering grimness of "Vampires," one can detect traces of the aforementioned Pink Floyd, as if these tracks were updated outtakes from Meddle. However, one of the primary detriments to this album (or it could be a benefit, depending on one's personal taste) is the brevity of the tracks. With 10 songs, The Clouds Are Ghosts lasts only 34 minutes, which is not a bad thing in and of itself, but when a song like "Echo" reaches a soaring climax in its chorus, only to end after two-and-a-half minutes, the end result is far from satisfying. The same can be said for "Atomic Daydream" or "Orbiting," both of which display a tremendous amount of energy and catchiness that could carry a listener for much longer if given the chance. Then again, what the short length of these songs does accomplish is that desire to hear more, guaranteeing that the album will be on repeat in one's playlist for hours without running the risk of redundancy. Since the release of the album, the band has added Kevin Butler to the fold on drums, which will undoubtedly add an even richer texture to the tapestry of sound already evident on The Clouds Are Ghosts. Currently available for a limited time for free via the band's web site, the debut by The Clouds Are Ghosts is not to be missed as it signals the arrival of a band that at first listen is sure to achieve bigger and better things.