Cloud Cover Sky is a project by Andrew McCallister; musician, singer, and songwriter for more than 20 years. Recently, Andrew’s inspiration comes from his living abroad in Thailand. The debut album, “Listen To Them Now,” reflects his personal experiences and emotions from being in a foreign culture.
From the first few seconds of “Listen To Them Now,” we are instantly thrown into unfamiliar territory; background noises, guitar tuning, coughing and an off the floor, live acoustic recording of the opening track, “I Am Lost.”
Cloud Cover Sky sings about big ideas, like love, faith, devotion, overcoming adversity and social issues. And big ideas need big, luscious orchestrations, epic time changes and mood swings, so when you play these songs, play them loud. The album, though creative and brimful of sound variations, is not overproduced. It retains a rawness and organic vibe, and McCallister sounds so comfortable on his own, playing everything from keyboards to guitars and singing. It doesn’t at any moment, sound self-indulgent, but seems rather like a representation of his enthusiasm and his copiously imaginative spirit. You can’t help but respect his intentions.
I’ll be honest though, my first reaction was no, I don’t particularly like this, but as I listened more and more to the arrangement, the lyrics, and the off-the-floor recordings, I eventually became hooked. The album as a whole seems humble and down to earth, and McCallister sounds like he really cares about how we listen to the songs. Moreover he writes his songs from the heart, which is a great substitute for any other qualities, we may think are missing. You can actually sense the sincerity envelope you from your speakers.
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This is a must have if you’re tired as of the watered down candy-coated “pop” or the ignorantly cloned hiphop that has drowned out the music scene for the past few years. The most amazing aspect of the album is the way it spiritually moves the listener. It takes a journey of life, love, God, and each song is moving in its own way. What is also surprising about the album, is how uplifting it is. Most concept albums that are intelligent and emotional are rather depressing, but that’s not the case with “Listen To Them Now,” even though to be honest, this is not a concept album in the true sense of the meaning, but more a loose connection of associated themes.
“Listen To Them Now,” showcases 12 variegated tracks, from simple guitar and voice arrangements, to more elaborate orchestrations filled with electronics, strings and vocal harmonies. Andrew doesn’t have perfect pitching or deliver rock-star vocal-phrasing, instead he opts for the dreamy surrealistic sound, relying on the atmospheric aspect of his performances. Standout tracks for me are; “Listen,” “Time,” “Robot Building,” “Derelict” and “Love Again.” But let’s be clear about one thing, this is not easy listening pop. This is a study on the human soul; profound, assertive, painful at times, and hopeful at others.
Andrew McCallister is the real deal, in a musical world of sham and hype. On this collection of songs he moves his passions forward with graceful conviction and some haunting doubts.
Andrew McCallister of Cloud Cover Sky
OFFICIAL LINKS & WEBSITES:
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