AOTY #18: Cloud Nothings - Here And Nowhere Else

Cloud Nothings have been searching for a slightly more polished version of their lo-fi pop-punk sound on their past two records. This search is apparent on Here and Nowhere Else, as Dylan Baldi’s reputation as a prodigy of pop song structure continues to grow. In late 2012, Cloud Nothings announced that they would be recording a “noisier” album than their last effort Attack on Memory, and at least one song would sound like “early Wire.”

What the band may have lost in the departure of Joe Boyer, Baldi makes up for in his improved playing. Rather than hiring a new guitarist, Dylan takes both the lead and rhythm parts in a manner that makes his early Wire comparisons seem justified. According to Baldi, all of the lyrics to the album were written in one week.

This could just be punk rock posturing but if there’s one complaint about the album, it would be the lyrics. That’s not to say that Dylan should attempt to be the next Dylan, he clearly has his own lane, but many of the lyrics get lost in the catharsis of the anthemic guitar lines and Jayson Gercyz’s relentless drumming, which almost functions as another voice for the band. Though Baldi’s singing is less grating on Here and Nowhere Else, he continues “the family tradition of yelling at kids,” being the son of two retired teachers.

Music that is 100% happy is terrifying—I would kill myself if I had to play that every night. If music is one constant emotion, then it's not real, but if you include the positive and negative and everything in between—which I don't think we do, but I'm learning—that's what makes it feel real
- Dylan Baldi
This album continues John Congleton’s recent run of stellar production. He doesn’t totally reform the sound of the band but rather guides their visceral energy into its most engaging form. Baldi’s entire career seems to have been building toward the success of the closing track, “I’m Not Part of Me.” It contains the most relatable lyrics on the album and the catchiest chorus, whilst maintaining the unstoppable forward drive of their sound.

It starts right now, there's a way I was before
But I can't recall how I was those days anymore
I'm learning how to be here and nowhere else
How to focus on what I can do myself The sound coming from Cloud Nothings is undeniably rooted in punk rock, but the musical loner that is Baldi ultimately shines through.

- Benjamin R. Swanson

Come back tomorrow for album #17 and follow along with the list here!