Cloud Cult Bombards The Senses At The Bowery
Although I was tempted to venture across the river Saturday night to catch the local three-way headlined by [Vampire Weekend], I just wasnt feeling that ambitious. Fortunately [Cloud Cult](/www.cloudcult.com) was playing at Bowery, so I could let my lazyflag fly and still see an impressive, multi-media affair.
The stage backdrop was a movie screen on which images ranging from molecular fission cartoons to scenes lifted from Ron Frickes Baraka were projected throughout the duration of the show. Then there was, of course, the music. Cloud Cult, who sometimes sounds like both the melodic and punk sides of Modest Mouse, delivered a passionate set of songs explaining what is wrong and right with the universe. Meanwhile, two artists who stood behind the band began and completed their own paintings (which were auctioned off at the shows end). The music inspired the paintings, and the paintings inspired the crowd, and the crowd inspired the band. It was a reciprocal closed-loop environmenteveryone contributed their fair share. And there was enough stimulation to ensure that even the most ADD kids didnt get bored.
Some random thoughts that crossed my mind during the show:
1. Cellos are sexy. I want my girlfriend to learn how to play one. 2. The singer (Craig Minowa) looks a lot like my old housemate, Greg Wolicki. 3. I cant believe that guy (Scott West) paints and plays trumpet. He does both well. 4. The crowd is loving them a lot more than the crowd at the New Pornos show here a couple of weeks ago. 5. Whats up with that mask Minowa is wearing on top of his head? Its kind of creepy. 6. I wonder how the Vampire Weekend show is going? 7. Is the drummer missing beats or are my ears dyslexic? 8. I cant believe I forgot my camera again.