Black Cloud Theory - "Black Cloud Theory"
(Independent, 2005) - * * *
The Music
Black Cloud Theory - "Just Another"
As a critic I have heard my fair share of disappointing albums, but for every one of those, there's a phoenix that rises from the ashes and re-proves to me that great music hasn't died. A few semesters ago I reviewed an album by the Muncie band NewCleaR and recall being disappointed -- and I said so in a sharp-tongued review. But I always tell my readers I don't hold a grudge, and bands like Black Cloud Theory are a reason why. Formed in the summer of 2004 following the breakup of NewCleaR, Black Cloud Theory is proof that when the focus comes away from image and is placed upon solid, catchy, well-produced music -- the results can be startlingly good.
"Black Cloud Theory" is a four-track EP that is brimming with the promise of a band that could really go places. Songs like "Without You Here" exhibit the perfect blend of rock and pop, taking a catchy hook all the way to the bank. And "Just Another" already sounds ready for college radio. "Just another bad fiction writer ... just another ten minutes that should help you fall asleep ... you feel too good to be true!" Josh Hedge sings, building the lyric pattern over the steady crunch of guitars and drums that bring up comparisons to groups like Jimmy Eat World. It's a combination of great musicianship and impressive songwriting that makes me want to hear an entire album's material.
Link to EP: http://www.bsu.edu/web/djclark/bct/.
BCT on MySpace: http://myspace.com/blackcloudtheory.
The Music
Black Cloud Theory - "Just Another"
As a critic I have heard my fair share of disappointing albums, but for every one of those, there's a phoenix that rises from the ashes and re-proves to me that great music hasn't died. A few semesters ago I reviewed an album by the Muncie band NewCleaR and recall being disappointed -- and I said so in a sharp-tongued review. But I always tell my readers I don't hold a grudge, and bands like Black Cloud Theory are a reason why. Formed in the summer of 2004 following the breakup of NewCleaR, Black Cloud Theory is proof that when the focus comes away from image and is placed upon solid, catchy, well-produced music -- the results can be startlingly good.
"Black Cloud Theory" is a four-track EP that is brimming with the promise of a band that could really go places. Songs like "Without You Here" exhibit the perfect blend of rock and pop, taking a catchy hook all the way to the bank. And "Just Another" already sounds ready for college radio. "Just another bad fiction writer ... just another ten minutes that should help you fall asleep ... you feel too good to be true!" Josh Hedge sings, building the lyric pattern over the steady crunch of guitars and drums that bring up comparisons to groups like Jimmy Eat World. It's a combination of great musicianship and impressive songwriting that makes me want to hear an entire album's material.
Link to EP: http://www.bsu.edu/web/djclark/bct/.
BCT on MySpace: http://myspace.com/blackcloudtheory.
posted by Jonathan Sanders @ 8:19 PM
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