• Comment: Remove external links to Spotify from the body of the draft, Wikipedia articles are not a means of song promotion. Utopes (talk / cont) 22:05, 5 September 2024 (UTC)

Fight Cloud is an American indie math rock band from Richmond, Virginia, known for their unique blend of intricate rhythms, melodic elements, and experimental soundscapes. Since their formation in the 2000s, the band has cultivated a loyal following with their distinct approach to the math rock genre, characterized by a combination of ambient textures, dissonance, and dynamic musical shifts.

Background and Formation

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Fight Cloud was formed in Northern Virginia by a group of friends attending Potomac Falls High School[1].[2] Two of the founding members, Justin and Mitch are playing in the band to this day and are very close friends in their personal life. The band solidified its current lineup in 2023, after a brief hiatus and lineup change that introduced a new drummer.[3] The core members of the band are:

  • Justin "Stew" Stuit[4] – guitar, vocals
  • Mitch Clem – guitar
  • Ethan Kuhn – bass
  • Grayson King – drums

Musical Style and Influences

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Fight Cloud's sound is often described as a blend of math rock, indie rock, and post-rock, with frequent use of complex time signatures, layered guitars, and atmospheric elements. Their music incorporates melodic, ethereal, and heavy dissonant tones, creating a unique sonic landscape that has garnered attention from fans and critics alike.

Their primary influences are bands like Circa Survive, As Tall As Lions, Enemies, Minus The Bear and Town Portal.

Discography

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Studio Albums:

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  • In Augment (2012)
  • We'll Be Alright (2016)

EPs:

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  • Simple Structures (2013)
  • Where's My Shakespeare (2014)
  • Thoughts Aligned (2020)

Singles:

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  • Nightmares (2021)
  • Glass Symphony (2022)
  • Inbetween (2022)
  • Home to Ghosts (2023)

Online Presence

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With over 260,000 total listens on their top 10 Spotify tracks,[5] Fight Cloud has developed a dedicated following and maintains a strong online presence, engaging with fans through their social media accounts and various music streaming services. They have thousands of followers across social media platforms, along with a growing listener base on Spotify.

  • 'Bandcamp[6]'
  • Instagram: @fight_cloud[7]
  • Spotify: Fight Cloud[8]

Reception

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Fight Cloud has garnered praise for their innovative sound and emotive compositions, particularly for their ability to blend math rock, emo, and post-rock influences. Fecking Bahamas[9] described their contribution to the split EP Where's My Shakespeare? as "endlessly enjoyable to listen to[10]," with the track Rocket Light Box featuring "tonal shifts that encompass most of Fight Cloud's side of the album." The publication noted the band's ability to deliver complex rhythms in a relaxed and effortless manner, while still maintaining an impactful and dynamic sound.

In a review for The Auricular,[11] the band's music video for single Home Alone (first released via RVA Magazine[12]) was praised for its visual and musical execution, stating that it "captures the band relishing the rustic scenery with glissading melodies and probing rhythms, offering visual comfort and musical clarity fit for city dwellers, country folk, and everyone in between[13]." This sentiment extended to their 2023 single Home To Ghosts, with mp3hugger[14] highlighting the emotional warmth of the track, saying that "Fight Cloud wrap their arms around us, enigmatically perhaps, but the warmth is still very much evident[15]."

The band's innovative approach to blending math rock and emo has caught the attention of numerous indie music reviewers. In his intro to an interview with Fight Cloud's members, reviewer Filip Zemcik[16] remarked, "I really appreciate their innovative approach to emo music, which sets them apart from other bands in the genre[17]."

Upcoming Projects

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Fight Cloud is currently working on their third LP. They are expected to release the album in the Fall of 2024.

References

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  1. ^ "Sub-Radio Standard + Shoot The Cricket + Fight Cloud". Vienna, VA Patch. 2011-05-26. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  2. ^ "Introducing: Fight Cloud + 3 Qs – START TRACK". Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  3. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  4. ^ Necci, Marilyn Drew (2014-08-14). "Fight Cloud's New Song Is Incredible and You Should Listen To It Right Now". RVA Mag. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  5. ^ "Fight Cloud". Spotify. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  6. ^ https://fightcloud.bandcamp.com
  7. ^ https://www.instagram.com/fight_cloud
  8. ^ https://open.spotify.com/artist/4O4vvdkKhWCwOeZDhyAuZj
  9. ^ https://feckingbahamas.com/
  10. ^ WALKER, CHRIS (2014-12-19). "Fight Cloud/Houdan the Mystic - Where's My Shakespeare? (2014)". Fecking Bahamas. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  11. ^ http://www.theauricular.com/news/fight-cloud-explores-provincial-charm-in-video-for-home-alone/
  12. ^ Necci, Marilyn Drew. "Fight Cloud Returns With Gorgeous, Sun-Soaked Video for "Home Alone"". RVA Mag. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  13. ^ "Fight Cloud Explores Provincial Charm In Video For "Home Alone"". The Auricular. 2020-01-24. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  14. ^ https://www.mp3hugger.com/2024/08/fight-cloud-home-to-ghosts/
  15. ^ "Fight Cloud – Home To Ghosts – mp3hugger". Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  16. ^ https://start-track.com/introducing-fight-cloud-3-qs/
  17. ^ "Introducing: Fight Cloud + 3 Qs – START TRACK". Retrieved 2024-09-05.