by Matt Wright
Whether it’s through the buoyant electro stomp of The Naked & Famous or the hurtling thrash-pop of DZ Deathrays, the music scene Down Under has left a trail of footprints across the indie globe in 2011. And it’s here this week to nourish our parched post-summer shores with the crisp and succulent folk-pop of Sydney’s Cloud Control, who play Audio on Wednesday (28th).
In spite of their nebulous name and penchant for scout-camp vocal harmonies, Cloud Control have plenty of Aussie oomph to pump into the Audio airspace, making sure they won’t get swallowed up by the winds on the seafront en route. Sure their debut album, ‘Bliss Release’, which got released this year, may have the odd moment of bumbling, beardy crooning, but there’s always an electric guitar ready to shoulder-barge its way in and get the party started – such as midway-through ‘Ghost Story’, where a werewolf of a power chord suddenly tears into the ethereal, misty- mountain-top panorama evoked by the gentle verse. Even in less edgy moments, Cloud Control are always five parts Fleetwood Mac to every one part Fleet Foxes. Thankfully.
It’s also worth checking out the support band, Big Deal. Although not exotic and Australian like Cloud Control, the semi-acoustic duo are a beguiling listen thanks to the smouldering lo-fi anthems and breathy boy/girl vocals that populate their debut album, ‘Lights Out’ – also released this year. If you are into understated love songs that ache with the youthful anguish of unrequited love, you should keep your ears peeled for ‘Homework’, where a dainty little jingle musters up the strange swimming pool aroma and muted loneliness of a year 9 classroom. They also do a cracking cover of Big Star’s ‘Thirteen’, which definitely doesn’t confuse matters on the band-name front.
All in all, this show will be a brilliant opportunity to shake off the midweek blues with a chance to see two eager young bands showcase their brilliant debut albums. In Cloud Control’s case, it may also be the day when you finally forgive Australia for Pendulum – you never know!
Cloud Control, Audio, Wed 28 Sep
Matt Wright
