Cloud Nothings stormed through The Independent in San Francisco on Wednesday, November 30th with a characteristically melodic and propulsive set. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of breakout record Attack on Memory, they played the album in full, along with choice singles from their decade-plus-long career.
Openers Kiwi Jr. set the stage with a high-energy, hook-laden performance that paired well with Cloud Nothings. Less intense and decidedly janglier than the headliner, Kiwi Jr.’s brand of power-pop/indie rock was a welcome addition to the evening, made especially evident by the long line at the merch table after their set.
Cloud Nothings took the stage and immediately jumped into Attack on Memory in full. An early set highlight was drummer Jayson Gerycz’s truly impressive performance during the ferocious noise break in the middle of “Wasted Days.” Gerycz is an exceptional drummer, circling his minimalistic drum kit with impressive fills and beats at breakneck speed. Watching his charismatic rhythm performance alone would be worth the price of a Cloud Nothings ticket.
Singer/lead guitarist Dylan Baldi led the audience through fan favorites, including “Stay Useless,” “Psychic Trauma,” and “I’m Not A Part of Me.” Hearing these songs live and in-person right next to one another showcases his incredible penchant for writing hook after hook after hook. These catchy melodies, when combined with heavy guitars and frenetic rhythms, place Cloud Nothings in a class all their own.
At one point an audience member shouted “Take off your hats,” clearly directed at Baldi, guitarist Chris Brown, and bassist Noah Depew – all wearing baseball caps. “No way, this is an evening of hats and glasses,” Baldi quipped back – referring to the stereotypically indie-rock uniform, shared (in some part at least) between both bands on stage that night. This a humble understatement – in this writer’s opinion. It was really an evening of two impressive sets by two very talented bands, and an audience grateful to bear witness to these hard-working musicians in their prime. Attack on Memory maybe 10 years old, but Cloud Nothings sounds as vital as ever.
