Clone - CL.1 (Little Cloud Records / 5BC Records)

Someone much wiser and wittier than me once said, “Supergroups never are.” There is a lot of truth in that. A lot, but there are exceptions. Clone is one of those exceptions. Made up of members of the great and sound of the alternative scene, they list bands as tasty and talented as The Veldt, Dead Leaf Echo, Namesake and Pilot to Gunner on their resumes, which puts us in safe hands. Very safe hands, indeed.

The album’s lead single, “Dividing Line”, shows us that the band believes in music’s power to change lives, perhaps even the world, or at least understand the power that comes with the platform they have been afforded. After all, if people are listening to what you have to say, why not have something worthwhile to tell them? At a time when bands are, inexplicably, becoming less political, ironic considering the way that the powers-that-be run roughshod over the man in the street, Clone is bringing the protest song into fashion.

But it takes more than a great single to make an album, and CL.1 goes on to offer nine more songs built of post-punk sheen and angularity, alternative rock darkness, industrial abrasion, and just a hint of gothic shade.

Remember when rock music was big and clever? When did it have something to say and not shy away from the debate? Remember when it spoke truth to power and had empathy for the lost? Remember a time when it did all that and was still fun and exciting to behold? Clone does.

CL. 1 album order
Album order
Album order
Spotify
Apple Music