Cloud Control

Fri 7th May, 2010 in Features

After the release of an outstanding self titled EP in 2007, Cloud Control received praise from every direction, with the band’s first two singles Vintage Books, and the stirring Buffalo Country, proving to be a big success. The ever infectious Death Cloud followed suit, and radio stations were soon taking a serious interest in this humble band from the Blue Mountains, putting their songs on high rotation.

The release of the band’s debut album is sure to be blissful for the band, after gaining international recognition in the UK for their sublime single Gold Canary, named as ‘Single of the Week’ on BBC 6’s Rebel Playlist and ranked amongst the ‘Top 10 Most Influential Bands’ on popular music blog site The Hype Machine. With catchy hits such as Death Cloud, and their latest single This Is What I Said, Cloud Control is fast becoming a sensation on the alternative scene.

FasterLouder spoke to Heidi Lenffer, Ulrich Lenffer and Jeremy Kelshaw from the band (which also includes singer Alistair Wright ) about Gold Canary,playing at Splendour and the band’s headline tour to launch the debut album Bliss Release.

Kelshaw explains that you can never anticipate public reaction to a song, “Different songs are exciting in different ways. One is never more or less special. We had a lot of material to churn through to find the songs that made the grade. We work on a song until it is perfect in our eyes.”

H. Lenffer adds, “A song must be beautiful in some form and have a quality that is unique to that song for it to capture our focus.” Kelshaw discusses that Gold Canary was in many ways left of field, “On that song we worked a lot on stripping it right back to make it simple and not confused. We wanted it to be strong.”

Upon the unveiling of their highly anticipated debut album Bliss Release, the Cloud Control band mates could not be more excited, as they simultaneously shriek in happiness. Kelshaw tells FasterLouder, “it feels great to be in the promotional phase now after working on the songs for such a long period of time.

“We had been demoing tracks since last year and working with different producers and musicians, such as Liam Judson from Belles Will Ring. He helped us develop new techniques and work different sounds. There is no real concept to this album other than it’s an accumulation of the songs we love and that we felt worked the best together.”

When asked how the title of Bliss Release came about, H. Lenffer is quick to tell the story, “Ulrich and I have an amazing Mum. She has a good scope on the band and she just mentioned it one day and we all felt it would be a suitable title. It really sums up the sentiment of the record I think in the way that the album was a release of creative energy, and to share our music with others to enjoy, well that’s blissful for us.” U. Lenffer adds, “It was an inner release of all our efforts too, so it is ready to be unleashed.”

Ready to kick off on their own headline tour to support the release of Bliss Release throughout May and June, Kelshaw explains his excitement over showcasing their new tracks in their home town of Sydney, “The Oxford Arts Factory shows should go off. It is always nice to play in a familiar setting because it is home.”

Though H. Lenffer is most excited about playing in Melbourne, “It is always such a good atmosphere and generally the audiences are really happy. We have played at The East Brunswick Club a few times now and we really love the venue.” U. Lenffer cheekily hints excitement over playing in Tasmania, and going to the markets for some doughnuts.

Supporting this super cool band on tour is Richard In Your Mind, a group whom they met many moons ago at a band competition in Sydney. H. Lenffer recalls, “I think it was in 2006, and it was the finals and I do believe they won.” Kelshaw describes his earliest memory of frontman Richard Cartwright from that night, “All I remember was a crazy, wild, pixie like voice telling jokes.” U. Lenffer adds, “We have played a few gigs with them in the past. We wanted friends we have known throughout our journey to join us and have fun.”

And as for their Splendour in the Grass listing, they couldn’t be happier, as their voices overlap in excitement. With mention of artists such as Yeasayer and Pixies, Kelshaw animatedly remarks, “I don’t think the line up could get any better, could it?” to which H. Lenffer replies, “Yes, we could be playing alongside David Bowie.”

Warning – It is hard not to love this band.

FasterLouder proudly presents Cloud Control’s tour:
Thursday 13th May – The Harp, Wollongong
Friday 14th May – Oxford Art Factory – Sydney
Saturday 15th May – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
Friday 21st May – Republic Bar, Hobart
Saturday 22nd May – East Brunswick, Melbourne
Sunday 23rd May – East Brunswick, Melbourne
Thursday 27th May – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury
Friday 28th May – MOJO’s, Freemantle
Saturday 29th May – Amplifier Hotel, Perth
Wednesday 2nd June – Beach Road Hotel, Sydney ( Free )
Friday 4th June – Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba
Saturday 5th June – Transit Bar, Canberra
Tuesday 11th June – Great Northern, Byron Bay
Wednesday 12th June – The Zoo, Brisbane
Saturday 19th June – Jive Bar, Adelaide