After debuting with last year's Legendary Demo, Boston-based rockers Clouds return with their sophomore full-length. Fronted by former Cave In guitar maestro Adam McGrath, the band has delivered another fine offering here, though they have refined their fuzzed-out punk sound with an even wider sampling of influences.
We are Above You begins with "Empires in Basements." The song is a riff heavy venture that recalls the thick sludge-metal sound evocative of early Sabbath. We're talking about some bong-ripping riffs. Factor in McGrath's throaty delivery, not unlike The Melvins' Buzz Osbourne, and you've got an excellent start to the record. "Feed the Horse" follows and picks up the pace with a more rock/punk vibe reminiscent of The Stooges.
From here Clouds continues to mix together fast-paced punk - chomping riffs and speedy drumming - with the swagger of rock 'n roll. Cuts like "Heisenberg Says" and "Year Zero" are great examples of this. However, on occasion Clouds venture away from this sound. "Slow Day" is another riff-heavy stoner metal cut as it melds equal parts Neurosis and early Soundgarden. Meanwhile, "Horrification" and "Playing Dark" are rip-roaring hardcore cuts - no doubt penned by guitarist Jim Carroll, who once slung the ax for The Suicide File.
In contrast, closer "Garbage In, Garbage Out" is a slow plodding number that grinds you down with each lick of the guitar and demonic yell, not to mention the meandering guitars that scream influence of the likes of The Yardbirds and other 60's psychedelic rock titans.
Clouds have brought forth another fine album that smashes together the worlds of rock 'n roll and punk. While it's predecessor was a bit more cut and dry in the breakdown of these styles, We are Above You sees a more cohesive sound put to tape. One can only expect as the band continues to write and perform together that they'll become even focused in their craft.