With a name like Cloudcity I was expecting something along the lines of ambient techno--but there's not a sign of that here. This is a modern rock album through and through, with touches of PFR in the harmonies on one track, and R.E.M. in other places, but more distortion in the guitars and an overall heavier sound than either of those bands. There's a hint of King's X in there too, alongside the grunge bands that have obviously influenced the guitarist and bassist.
The impassioned vocals are fairly well done, if a little strained, and the harmonies, which occasionally appear, are a nice touch. The chord progressions are more interesting than standard fare in places, and the bass playing is solid, but there is little else to make the album stand out. Probably good live, but not quite there yet on CD.
3 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Tony LaFianzaI don't like this record much. It is a hard record for me to pinpoint what is lacking since there are several good aspects to the record, but I'll try. Cloudcity is Andy Putman, bass; Steve Willey, guitars; Pete Arant, drums; and Joe Arant, lead vocals, guitar, and the main song writer. The vocals and the music on Wide Open made me think of Grand Funk Railroad. Joe Arant has the same kind of…
