By this point on the LP, the listener can easily say that Grey Sky Symphony's vocals are similar to those of Gibbard's. With title track "Cloud Factory," the group presents to us a more electronic, Postal Service-esque sound than its usual take on a revamped Death Cab sound. This adventuresome instrumental is calculated, well put together, and a joy to listen to. There are many layers that build up to a stellar fruition of the beat. I love when a song comes together and can entrance you. It's really the simple things in music, you know?
In "Melt," the sentiments of "Shiver" are revisited, this time with an acoustic feel. It seems like this song would logically follow what takes place after that initial nervous feeling that accompanies new love. "Let's stay here for a while/Because, my dear/You make me smile/And when you look at me/I melt away." There's such a nice, rustic feel to the guitar here. The dreamy style of this song makes me think that it is not real, as if GSS is only reminiscing on these feelings.
"12:34" continues this revisit with "Shiver," though this time it is incredibly solemn with strings and more clarinet (thank you!). It leads directly into the crown jewel of Cloud Factory, "Ash," complete with a great intro and beautiful guitar strums. This song makes feeble attempts to understand why a relationship has gone sour and two lovers have grown apart. Is there anything to salvage? Unfortunately not. Things could never be the same. "It's better to have loved and lost/But everything comes at a cost." Kudos for that great takeaway lyric.
All in all, Cloud Factory is a feel-good album. I'm positive that I will be listening to it a lot once I return to school because I try to listen to upbeat, happy music on the way to class. I like to have a little spring in my step. Each song has a unique sound, which shows a lot of great creative range. I recommend it to anyone who likes Death Cab for Cutie, the Postal Service, or Belle & Sebastian. Grey Sky Symphony seems like the perfect love child between Ben Gibbard, Chris Walla and some really awesome Scottish hipsters.
Check out Grey Sky Symphony on their official website, and purchase the excellent LP Cloud Factory on their Bandcamp page!
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