Here’s the latest from the unstoppable Subterranea Collective, the local crew of indie-rockers and punks who have thus far brought us bands like Shy Low, Navi, Houdan The Mystic, and Way Shape Or Form. Fight Cloud, who started out in Sterling but have slowly migrated to Richmond (and Harrisonburg) over the past few years, have a sonic resemblance to all of the previously listed bands, which comes through quite clearly on new single “No Grain, No Pain.”
Here’s the latest from the unstoppable Subterranea Collective, the local crew of indie-rockers and punks who have thus far brought us bands like Shy Low, Navi, Houdan The Mystic, and Way Shape Or Form. Fight Cloud, who started out in Sterling but have slowly migrated to Richmond (and Harrisonburg) over the past few years, have a sonic resemblance to all of the previously listed bands, which comes through quite clearly on new single “No Grain, No Pain.” The song brings together post-rock reverb, complex guitar melodies that seem to pull equally from prog and the more complex aspects of modern emo, and a melancholy vocal sound that lies somewhere between downcast indie rock and outright pop. The end product is fascinating and clearly comes from people who know their way around their instruments.
The video is compiled from tons of different segments, most of which seem unrelated. From nature shots taken around Richmond, to joyous house party scenes, to a New York city road trip, and plenty more, the images contain no clear narrative, but instead add up to a vaguely-defined but clear mood. A bit nostalgic, a bit elegaic, but also flavored with the joy of young kids who are having a great time just being alive, this video will probably remind everyone who sees it of good times they’ve had, whether current or long past.
Fight Cloud’s new EP, Simple Structures, will be released next Tuesday, November 5, and “No Grain, No Pain” offers an excellent first taste of what the EP has in store for us all. If its pleasant yet challenging and thought-provoking sound is any indication, the whole EP is going to be well worth hearing. Simple Structures will be available as a cassette or a digital download on Tuesday through Fight Cloud’s bandcamp page, and through Subterranea Collective’s website. In the interim, you can still download Fight Cloud’s debut album, In Augment, from their bandcamp page, so be sure and check that out too!
By Andrew Necci
