Cloud Nothings, a home-based solo project for its founder Dylan Baldi turned full-time working band, have become one of America’s most consistent and underrated outfits of the last couple of decades. “Final Summer“, released via the band’s new label Pure Noise Records, is their eighth album and finds Baldi and co. in reliably loud and compelling form, featuring the singles ‘Final Summer’ and ‘Running Through The Campus’.
Cloud Nothings Cleveland’s loudest export with their new album, “Final Summer” via Pure Noise Records. Over the past 15 years Cloud Nothings have become part of the fabric of modern indie rock with a steady run of reliably fantastic records, and this streak continues unabated with “Final Summer” – an album that’s so assured, so instantly satisfying, that it forces you to pause and realize you’re listening to one of the great American rock bands in their prime.
During the COVID-19 global pandemic, Cloud Nothings went back to basics in ways that brought out the best in their music. Since shows were off the table and their recording sessions were constrained by social distancing and file sharing, 2020’s “The Black Hole Understands” and 2021’s “The Shadow I Remember” concentrated on the thoughtful lyrics and hooky tunes at the heart of the band’s music, and quickly became standouts within their body of work. Even though Cloud Nothings were able to tour the world several times and return to the studio as usual in the years between those albums and “Final Summer”, their approach is similar. Packing these concise songs with surging emotions and melodies is still their first priority, and they still excel at it: The regret Dylan Baldi conjures when he sings “I was on the edge of another life” over a half-swaggering, half-staggering rhythm on “Daggers of Light” feels bottomless.
While “Final Summer” has its fair share of eloquent heartache, Baldi and company spend more time seeking out peace and contentment in a world that isn’t inclined to either of those things. In their hands, self-care is punk rock, whether it’s achieved by ending toxic relationships on the revved-up “Thank Me for Playing,” going for a head-clearing jog on “Running Through Campus,” or becoming shatterproof on the gloriously crunchy anthem-in-the-making “I’d Get Along.” Cloud Nothings bolster this resilient mood with “Final Summer’s” sound, which is both heavier and smoother than their pandemic-era output. Propelled by analogue synths and a turbocharged Motorik equally at home on the Autobahn and in the pit, the album’s title track turns Baldi’s simple statement of purpose (“I need to be happy with what I’ve got for me”) into a manifesto with cinematic flair.
The band may have recorded the album as a trio (with former guitarist Chris Brown taking over the low end for departed bassist TJ Duke), but you’d never guess they’re down a member based on the ’80s and ’90s college rock-worshiping din of “Mouse Policy” or the radiant ruckus they kick up on “Common Mistake” and “The Golden Halo.” Final Summer” is another strong album from a remarkably consistent band, but it’s the wisdom, maturity, and joy Cloud Nothings bring to it makes it an especially satisfying listen.
The Fat Angel Sings 