In Concert: Cloud Nothings

They hail from Cleveland, the birthplace of rock and roll.

However, the story of Cloud Nothings doesn’t start with a bang. Rather, it began in a basement.

Through their blend of aggression and hooks, leader Dylan Baldi started the formidable group as a one-man recording project. His ear for melody and noise has never been in question.

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Photo by Myles Herod

With the release of their latest album, Life Without Sound, Lee’s Palace sets the stage for the evening’s sold-out show.

To those unfamiliar, tradition runs deep at the longstanding Toronto venue. It’s where Nirvana played their notorious first Canadian show. It’s also where bands come to make a statement.

[T]he story of Cloud Nothings doesn’t start with a bang. Rather, it began in a basement.

Now a quartet, having added a second guitar, Baladi refrains from interacting with the night’s rambunctious fans. Instead, he’s redirected his energy into packing a sonic wallop, interlocking fully with drummer Jason Gerycz and bass player TJ Duke.

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Photo by Myles Herod

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Photo by Myles Herod

Unleashing the track “Psychic Trauma” to the sweating mosh-pit below, things really start to ignite. The band begins playing harder, where misread sloppiness makes way for a driving, pounding live experience.

Never to be confused as a technically skilled band, there’s far more prowess to these men than meets the eye.

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Photo by Myles Herod

On both “Wasted Days” and “Now Here In” Baladi buoys his vocals with the band’s melodic playing, colliding perfectly.

Never to be confused as a technically skilled band, there’s far more prowess to these men than meets the eye.

Call it a sign of hard-core going soft, Cloud Nothings embrace their step forward, albeit, with snarl still intact.

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Photo by Myles Herod

From their basement origins, Dylan Baldi and his band have made their way out the door, and yes, into a new light.