{"id":20402,"date":"2011-03-05T10:00:55","date_gmt":"2011-03-05T15:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.frostclick.com\/wp\/?p=20402"},"modified":"2012-09-24T10:16:15","modified_gmt":"2012-09-24T14:16:15","slug":"then-happy-cloud-trippy-shoegaze-rock-from-macedonia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.frostclick.com\/wp\/index.php\/2011\/03\/05\/then-happy-cloud-trippy-shoegaze-rock-from-macedonia\/","title":{"rendered":"Then: Happy Cloud"},"content":{"rendered":"

Then <\/strong>is a Macedonia duo that’s heavily influenced by shoegaze rock greats, My Bloody Valentine<\/a>, The Telescopes<\/strong> and The Jesus and the Mary Chain<\/strong> to name a few. The duo has so far, released two short compilations, 2008’s Dreams, Tapes, Hopes & Razorblades<\/a> and Happy Cloud. Both records are available for free download.<\/p>\n

This unique group’s sound focuses on a lot of spacey sounding tracks mixed in with plenty of reverb, feedback as well as quiet, almost whispered, vocals. Happy Cloud <\/strong>contains 5 cuts that range from alternative rock to uptempo, almost dancy pop cuts.<\/p>\n

If you adore shoegaze and want to add another band onto your list, then check out Then. Happy Cloud opens with uptempo track, Stranger Than Fiction<\/em>. It starts with a dialogue sample and careens into bouncy drums with hazy chorus vocals. The unison singing is lovely and adds a nice contrast to the consistent instrument work. Moreover, the clean guitar picking creates a crisp focus of sound contrasting with the altogether blurry track.<\/p>\n

Afterglow<\/em>, meanwhile, exudes a nice, sunshiny feel. For some reason, the tracks makes me feel as if it should have served as a soundtrack to an old 70s commercial featuring a family in a park or beach somewhere, having fun and beaming smiles. The vocals weave together with the sound beautifully and create this wonderful summer cut.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, Anorak City<\/em>, is a more disturbing cut simply because of the screeching feedback that opens it. Otherwise though, it showcases an 80s dance vibe. It’s like listening to the Pet Shop Boys<\/a> if they veered slightly towards punk or maybe the Sex Pistols<\/a> if they were super mellow and loved excessive feedback noise and dance.<\/p>\n

You can listen and download the tracks by Then <\/strong>from their Last FM page. It’s worth checking out especially for shoegaze fans.
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\nRelated Links:<\/strong>
\nThen on Last FM<\/a>
\nThen on Myspace<\/a>
\nThen on Twitter<\/a><\/p>\n