Koalra – The Clouds Still Hang On You (2023)
Koalra is one of those bands that you would happily have on repeat for days, weeks or months on end. From their self-titled debut EP in 2019 to the recent single ‘Disasterclass’, the US-based trio burrow into our brains with their fuzz-fuelled blend of 80s, 90s and modern-day indie-rock. Over the years, Koalra has traipsed from a harsh hard-hitting noise-pop chaos to a more introspective and eclectic exploration of society. With the 2020 EP Surprise Lights, we heard a toned-down reflective sound with a further delving into retro new wave with 2022’s EP Nihilism and Analog Tape.
Following the well-received single ‘Disasterclass’, ‘The Clouds Still Hang On You’ showcases greater evolution in the Koalra sound. A quick gander at their repertoire and you will find the Chicago lads are unafraid to dip, delve and teeter through various genres. Versatile, innovative and diverse, Koalra flex their flexibility muscles in ‘The Clouds Still Hang On You’ grasping elements of grunge, post-punk and indie-rock in a dark pool of sound. Less upbeat than ‘Disasterclass’ yet still as gritty, ‘The Clouds Still Hang On You’ presents a distorted fusion of Joy Division, Radiohead and The Cure.
One aspect I find intriguing about ‘The Clouds Still Hang On You’ is how a rhythmic harmony exists between the heavy guitars, psychedelic synths and hushed vocals. An eerie wave of poignant melancholy washes over you as you slip into this dismal mire of sonic doom; however, tinges of fairy-like lights drop hopefulness and joviality in the melody.
Uncomfortable but flowing, distorted but dreamy, warm but dark, vulnerable but empowering; ‘The Clouds Still Hang On You’ is an obscure mishmash of sounds elegantly woven into a blood-curdling, spine-chilling, soul-stirring sublimeness.
In addition to the single, Koalra released a music video for ‘The Clouds Still Hang On You’. You can view the video below or via their YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses lighting effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Find out more about Koalra on their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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