It was a lovely Seattle summer evening but there were Clouds in the forecast.
The alternative art-rockers, Cloud Cult visited the PNW, bringing their unique live music/art show to the newly renovated Neptune Theater. I was a few minutes late and walked into the sounds of the opening band, The Wilderness of Manitoba already on stage. Folky harmonies (think Fleet Foxes with a female vocalist and a banjo) escorted me into the building as I claimed my spot for the evening, snapping a few shots of Manitoba, while I thoroughly enjoyed making their acquintance.
The Wilderness of Manitoba
Then, promptly at 9pm, the lights dimmed and the crowd’s voices surged. Cult launched into songs from 2010’s Light Chasers and sprinkled in a few off other albums, weaving their inspiring songs, building auditory tension with each tune, soaring brass and strings and voices crashing in marvelous crescendo after crescendo. Just awesome to experience.
Cloud Cult
In their live shows, Cloud Cult mixes visual art with the auditory, and this night was no different. An amazing painting was born while we watched, color pounded into the canvas in time and emotion with the music. The finished piece was heart-achingly beautiful and so, so sad. The combination of the energetic and enthusiastic live music AND the creation of something visually stunning makes Cloud Cult a must-see, over and over again.
Cloud Cult
Review & all photos by Amber Barni
