Don't miss out
Cleveland based Cloud Nothings new Wichita released album (produced by Steve Albini) is a tuneful ride of jangly noise and melody with beautifully raw vocals; moments of post-rock, post-punk along with surf, garage and indie amongst others all feature (if we must label) - whatever, when it's this engaging, who cares what you call it, all you really need to know is that it's charming and memorable and addictive.
My first instinct in the initial few moments of the record was a comparison to Pixies, but that may be down to the visceral reaction these tracks bring on; opener No Future, No Past brings on goosebumps in seconds, which soon turns to head nodding followed by full on thrashing about if you're not careful, which isn't great in your living room - but in a live setting would be blissful. Bringing on these reactions are cracked raw vocals which draw you in and a haunting, open guitar sound keeping you there, as the track moves on the vocals become more and more emotive and the drums heavier before it all descends into screams and a brilliant guitar led melody. Best album opening track of this year so far and probably all year - superb stuff.
Follow up Wasted Days builds through eight odd minutes to bruise your ears with waves of sweet noise. Also worthy of note; (although you could pluck out any track to discuss as a stand out) Fall In's danceable beats, brash surfy riffs and melodic vocal lines are an irresistible combination and the punk edged pop melody of Stay Useless is emotive and bracing, so much so that you feel wide eyed and hyper by the end of it. The album is distinctive and cohesive but never gets complacent, changing up the style and atmosphere from track to track so you don't know what to expect next. Fast, excited tunes with brilliant melodies and one of the most distinctive vocals in an age; you definitely want in on this one - it comes highly recommended.