Photo by Bob Krzykowksi.
From Montague, Massachusetts, Cloudbelly returns to the blog with gorgeously introspective track “Throw the Game.”
“Throw the Game” is a melancholic, slightly dreamy indie rock track which sways and stirs, rising almost to the heights of a cigarette lighter anthem. The reason I wouldn’t place it firmly in the anthemic bracket is the deliberate incompleteness, a sense of tension best demonstrated by the abrupt ending. But it is a tantalising taster of Cloudbelly’s soon-to-be-released second album.
“Throw the Game” beautifully creates a sense of tension and release, using restraint and nuance to build an atmosphere that you can’t help but get lost in. We have the slow push of the drums, ambient keys and thoughtful, emotive and delicate electric guitar lines. The music widens over the chorus sections of the track with the introduction of a fuzzy rhythm guitar… but it never overpowers the ever-present melancholy.
At the heart of “Throw the Game” is the intimate, conversational and expressive vocal. It’s a performance that remains vulnerable and confessional, even in the soaring sections. It brings conviction and emotion to the vivid imagery depicted in the lyrics that explore the pain of loving someone who becomes emotionally defensive and pushes you away.
Warm, wistful and lush, “Throw the Game” is taken from the album Throwing the Game which is slated for release November 13th. Preorder the album on vinyl here.
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