Cloud Nothings, Scala, London

They may have built their name on a succession of stellar early records, but the most fervent reactions tonight are sparked by tracks from April’s ‘Here And Nowhere Else’, cementing its place as a gem of 2014’s impeccable first quarter. A band that once comprised solely of frontman Dylan Baldi’s solo bedroom efforts is now a cohesive – if statuesque – unit, barely moving or communicating with the crowd as they pin down the chaos unfolding in front of them. The only cracks in the trio’s resolve come in the occasional screech of feedback and in drummer Jason Gerycz’s ever-thickening sheen of sweat, the energy he pours into every track blurring both limbs and tempo as the band playfully toy with the expectations of song structure, almost every song harbouring a jubilant tempo change or two.

Lead single from ‘Here And Nowhere Else’ and set closer ‘I’m Not Part Of Me’ sparks mania, the surging crowd a maelstrom of sweat, beer and crowd surfers. “I’m not telling you all I’m going through” becomes a united chant, each participant’s individual passion quickly morphing into a collective reaction to the hardships of the millennial.

When the band return to the stage, they do so with a doomy rendition of the full eight minutes of ‘Wasted Days’, which stretches on throughout a drum solo that rejects any belief that Gerycz may be feeling the effects of his breakneck drumming for the preceding hour. “I thought I would be more than this” becomes yet another apt hook as the band leave the stage for good, leaving behind a collective of jaded individuals who, tonight, find a voice through Baldi’s tortured vocal chords.

Support on the night came from Primitive Parts and Pheromoans.

Tags: Cloud Nothings, Pheromoans, Primitive Parts, Reviews, Live Reviews