Cloud Nothings - Attack On Memory

I like this! Cloud Nothings are bringing back the post-grunge tones with a modern epic indie slant to them on this lively little album. When they really kick off there's definitely a mid-'90s power-pop feel, but then there's also these krauty psychedelic passages that are really moody and absorbing with simple, churning grooves that build into bubbling psych-rock workouts. With Steve Albini twiddling the knobs it sounds great, too...massive drums and trebly guitars. It's always propulsive and tuneful enough to keep it from coming across maudlin or angsty, but when Dylan Baldi really lets loose with his vocals there's more than a touch of Cobain about his throaty croak, and sometimes it's got this snotty nasal thing going on that reminds me of that band Stony Sleep, do you remember them?...and I'm sure I can hear shades of Archers Of Loaf in places... The balance of the tracks over the course of the album is excellent, too, with the more expansive drawn-out parts bookended by indie pop gems with big hooks and sweet harmonies. I wish there were more bands like this around who would keep the tones and grooves fresh and varied without forgetting to bring tunes along. Plus as a child of the '90s there's something about this kind of bouncy, chunky power-pop that I find very hard to resist.