fight cloud - Simple structures

Fight Cloud

Simple Structures
self-released; 2013

4.1 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

Fight Cloud is a band from Sterling, VA that has all the ingredients necessary to make for a stellar indie rock band. The band is technically proficient throughout but also excel at making aesthetically appealing sounds as well. They aren't just showing off. They are putting their talents to use on their second full-length entitled Simple Structures.

This album will fit nice and snug in your playlist against bands like Grizzly Bear, The Local Natives and Real Estate. Fight Cloud shares similarities with Grizzly Bear in that both have a propensity to dabble in complex rhythms that lesser bands would be afraid of as well as Baroque style pop music that is accessible yet feels fresh.

The album starts off with “No Grain, No Pain,” which contains cascading guitar leads that are dosed in a bit of delay. I was so immersed in the guitar work that I glossed over the vocal melody of the singer. The lyrics are original and catchy as the vocalist sings “Muddled, under my skin Deterring thoughts, clear as gin But I'll probably walk away.” As the song progresses the whole band starts to flex their muscles and you start to realize the band’s attention to detail as well as their undeniable chemistry.

Right out of the gate the band brings it with “Mom’s Cobbler.” The band plays it clean and the juxtaposed rhythms and excellent drum work hold your attention. The band goes from complex instrumentation to a sparse dreamy sequence that creates a sense of melancholy when the vocalist sings. “Double Castle” contains swirling guitars lines, intricate breakdowns and may very well be the highlight of the album.

They close with the hardest song on the album called “Crime Is Contagious.” The band is on point again and proves that they don't need vocals to impress. 

This album really doesn't have any lulls. All the songs are engaging and some are even memorable. I only see good things to come for Fight Cloud.

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