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By: Sarah Moore
What began as a solo project by Craig Minowa mourning the death of his two-year-old son has blossomed into a chamber folk extravaganza featuring cello (Sarah Young), violin (Shannon Frid), bass (Shawn Neary formerly of Tapes 'n' Tapes) and two live show artists who paint during performances. Minowa spews philosophical and psychedelic observations, as with "Everybody Here Is A Cloud," which speaks about the transience of life. Minowa's urgency comes across in his vocals as he emphasizes certain words for a dramatic effect and a sense of authority. He does, after all, own an organic farm (where recording took place) and tour with a solar-paneled van. Cloud Cult is one of the first truly "Green" bands.
"When Water Comes to Life" has a deeper sense of being that infuses Minowa's work: "You are born of water, you are made of water, you are living water." Sometimes electronica steps in to the mix, as on "Hurricane and Fire Survival Guide," where a trance drum track is set against synth and processed falsetto vocals. In "Guide," Minowa makes use of an old saying whose origin is a matter of debate: "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired." Processed chipmunk vocals create an ambience in "The Tornado Lessons" while a hip-hop beat and church organ lengthen the sound.
Everything seems very grand scale and sweeping, from classical to show tunes to folk. At times bordering on Fall Out Boy emo and at others fine, melodramatic popular song, the album fuses several genres and keeps the mix engaging.
JamBase | Cumulus
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