Cloud Cult might just be the real world equivalent of Wyld Stallyns. And even if aren’t, I’m comforted in knowing that there’s a band out there making music that thinks that music is going to one day save the world.
Frontman Craig Minowa takes his shit seriously. No addressing the crowd except to acknowledge them briefly before each of their sets. I should start at the beginning — Cloud Cult played two sets with no opener. They began with an all-acoustic set followed by the electric set, and, pardon my regurgitation, but both were electric. Without seeing Cloud Cult it’s nary impossible to impress how much they rawk. I use that term completely without irony. And I just wasn’t prepared. Cloud Cult songs may not adhere to a strict pattern, but trends certainly emerge. Slow build with synth and/or strings, followed by furious percussion (good lord can Arlen Peiffer beat a drum) and finally a crescendo of rawk – guitar, brass and emotional, earnest lyrics spewed at maximum feel.
If Cloud Cult is coming to a city near you (I’m looking at you Concord, Boston, New York, Philadephia, Washington D.C., Vancouver, Seattle and Portland) buy a ticket.
And if you’re unfamiliar with the band, here’s the Cloud Cult song that made my Top 100 of 2013 last year.