Post by jptheprofessor on Oct 24, 2005 18:39:54 GMT -5
CLOUD PARTY – PRAYING FOR RAIN (DRP Records) Over their first three albums, the Reading-based rock band Cloud Party has progressed from angrier and more acidic beginnings to a more cerebral and melancholy style and sound, reflecting the thoughts and mental wanderings of the group's brainchild, singer/songwriter/guitarist Jim Speese. Cloud Party's fourth album, Praying For Rain, finds Jim and the group seeking oasis from the desert, light from the darkness, and longing for happier moments past and future. These themes ride out over a ten-song course, ranging from acoustic textures to soaring, oceanic, Pink Floydian arrangements (a novelist and student of Floyd, Jim Speese is currently working on a book about the lyrics of Roger Waters). The title song, "Praying for Rain," first establishes the prevalent themes of loneliness, distance and longing, and occurs in two parts; a studio acoustic introduction to the album, and an electric sequel recorded live during a 2003 concert at Albright College. The acid-tinged rocker "Tears" describes feelings of isolation and abandonment; while the sullen ballad "Come Around Again" longs for the return of happiness and comfort. The longing for salvation seems to be the focus of the Pink Floyd-like "Thirteen Days," featuring an arrangement that escalates to a deep, broad climax before tapering off into guest singer Greta Link's closing repetition of the phrase "Something More." The soaring anthem "Waiting to Be Beautiful" regards the longing for admiration, adoration and acceptance; while the hypnotic epic closer "To the Ends of Earth" yearns for atonement and reimbursement. Jim Speese muses on the workings of his own mind on the uptempo “The Dreamer’s Disease,” offers snide commentary about television reality on “Entertain Me,” and recalls a hiking experience on “Blackrock Mountain” (also recorded live at Albright College). There is also an enhanced portion of the CD, featuring videos of two songs, “Making Out with Cate” and “Tonight Until Tomorrow;” also recorded live at Albright College. Jim Speese sells his themes of longing with a vocal blend of frostiness and pessimism. Blending his acoustic guitar textures and keyboard underscores with Mark Steffy’s clean and timely guitar leads, sharp rhythms from drummer Joe Donato and bassist Chris Altland, plus production and engineering assistance from Tom Volpicelli; Jim and Cloud Party construct a flowing, dynamic backdrop mixing subtle, ethereal and dramatic moments. Praying For Rain demonstrates Cloud Party’s further maturation as painters of moods and musical tapestries; and its balance of dark, delicate and powerful moments makes for a compelling, alluring listen. (The album can be obtained at Cloud Party’s shows, or through their website, www.cloudparty.com.)