Exploring the Emotional Depths of YELL AT CLOUD by Plosivs
Vocal Harmonies as a Source of Respite
On their latest album, YELL AT CLOUD, Plosivs deliver a compelling mix of troubled thoughts and a sense of impending doom, with vocal harmonies providing a much-needed counterbalance. The track “Storm Machine” stands out, featuring lead vocalist Crow articulating haunting visions from his subconscious: a frozen daylight, a shark gnawing on a fishing line, and the ominous sounds of a malfunctioning storm machine proclaiming, “All is lost!” The song reaches a climactic moment when the band layers vocal harmonies in a threefold arrangement during the repeated line—“Take a piece of you home!”—creating an almost celestial experience.
Resilience Amidst Despair
Despite the overwhelming themes of loss and hopelessness, Crow’s lyrics exude a sense of optimism. This youthful exuberance serves as a beacon for the characters in his songs, who find themselves grappling with their own tragedies. In “Falls Equivalency,” he reflects on the resilience required to survive life’s challenges, singing, “Water starts to rise/Not like you’re surprised/Swept away there, anyway.” Here, Crow shifts focus from the misfortunes of flood survivors to their hardened resolve, underscoring the importance of perspective: “Let it breathe or let it die.”
The Struggle Against Apathy
As YELL AT CLOUD unfolds, the narrative takes a turn in the album’s concluding tracks, “Destroyed by Touch” and “Vintage Dated.” Here, Plosivs seem to lose momentum, settling for uninspired hooks and tempos that detract from their earlier impact. This shift mirrors a broader post-pandemic reality, where initial enthusiasm for collaboration and artistry gives way to the weight of bleak headlines and harsh truths.
The Art of Documenting Gloom
At their core, Plosivs excel at capturing the pervasive gloom of contemporary life through intricate guitar work and poignant lyricism. Crow and Reis remain two of underground rock’s most compelling songwriters, adept at intertwining music and meaning to address the complexities of existence.
Conclusion
In YELL AT CLOUD, Plosivs navigate the fine line between despair and hope, utilizing vocal harmonies and thoughtful songwriting to explore themes of resilience in the face of tragedy. While the album’s latter half may falter, the band’s ability to articulate the human experience remains a powerful testament to their artistry.
FAQs
What themes are explored in YELL AT CLOUD?
The album delves into themes of despair, resilience, and the struggle against apathy, all while maintaining a sense of hope through vocal harmonies and thoughtful lyrics.
How does Plosivs use vocal harmonies in their music?
Vocal harmonies in YELL AT CLOUD serve as a source of respite, providing a contrasting emotional layer to the troubled thoughts expressed in the lyrics.
What is the significance of the song “Storm Machine”?
“Storm Machine” captures haunting visions from the lead vocalist’s dreams, showcasing the album’s overarching themes of foreboding and the search for meaning amidst chaos.
How does the album reflect post-pandemic realities?
The latter part of the album reflects a sense of apathy that can arise in the wake of harsh realities, contrasting with the initial optimism that followed the pandemic.
