New Orleans-based indie rockers McCloud haven’t had the same trajectory as most bands. What started as a group formed by high school friends in 1994 has now evolved into a long-term project with three album releases over as many decades. Despite nearly 20 years passing since their last release, the opportunity to record with Afghan Whigs member Rick Nelson at his nearby studio reignited their drive to make new music. The result? Their recent EP, look behind you.
“When the band learned that Rick Nelson from our heroes, the Afghan Whigs, had a recording studio 45 minutes from where they currently resided, that was all the impetus they needed to lock in 5 days of studio time in New Orleans’ Marigny Studios in January of 2024,” says McCloud of the process behind the new release. “Fathering, schooling, establishing businesses and climbing the social ladders of the suburbs leaves the washed-up rocker with nary a free weekend to exercise his atrophied strumming arms. However, gathering in a barn on Bayou Liberty twice a year for the last couple of decades, the guys managed to put together a reasonable smattering of rock and roll songs.”
The EP kicks off with “accident,” armed with a nostalgic 80s vibe and incredibly unique sound. From there, “volunteers” jumps into the next decade with its 90s style, full of indie rock goodness from that era. Another personal standout track was “movie script.” This one feels like a singalong song, with an accessible sound and a mix of easygoing and impassioned vocals. (Plus, that guitar solo perfectly harkens back to the days when guitar solos were the star of the show.) The EP ends with the melancholic and introspective sound of “lunatics,” a perfect way to end this sonic ride.
Overall, look behind you is an EP with 6 unique, stellar songs that have their own distinctive sound, though they all tie together to create a cohesive mix. But don’t take my word for it–McCloud has referred to this collection of songs as something that is“sure to delight 40 something year old dads who still won’t wear crocs in public,” and if that isn’t going to make you want to rush to listen to this EP, I honestly don’t know what will.
Stream the look behind you EP by McCloud on your preferred platform:
Spotify / YouTube / Apple Music
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