Clouds of Analog
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Clouds of Analog

North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | SELF

North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | SELF
Band Alternative Rock

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"Another band seeking the Holy Grail."

Another band seeking the Holy Grail of major label love is Clouds of Analog. In my humble opinion, these North Shore musicians have the best shot of any independent band I have ever heard in Vancouver. Clouds of Analog rock.??After finally getting to see them play at Vancouver's famous Railway Club in December 2009, on the same small stage where Radiohead once performed, it was clear that their frequently "sold-out" free demo of five songs is not just a well done recording. This band is just as epic and even more potent live as on their live-off-the-floor EP.??Chris Warunki is one of Vancouver's most powerful rock drummers. As the story goes, Warunki found Robin through Myspace after hearing a demo of the songwriters "Space," which, as Robin told me in the audio portion of the interview is one of the band's most difficult songs to perform – yet a unique song that well deserves its title. "Space" certainly stood out at the Railway Club show as something special, but was a clear challenge to the band's dynamic and musicianship as a group.?Warunki said that Clouds of Analog would like to open for Muse someday. And I would say of the long list of bands who would like to do that, these boys may just make it there. I mean, Silversun Pickups, who are opening for Muse in Vancouver on April 1st have nothing Clouds of Analog doesn't have except for one thing…major label support. As for local bands, Warunki said the band would also like to open for Run the Red Light. Vancouver has a surplus of talent right now, and most bands just need to be noticed. Clouds of Analog are worth your attention.??As a musician, when you listen to the EP, down-loadable free from their website or given away at shows, you will instantly be jealous of the quality achieved by their live-off-the-floor sound recorded in their jam space. Produced by former band-mate Brandon Cherrington, Warunki said he would also like to work with Steve Albini (who produced Nirvana, Pixies, Page & Plant's Walking into Clarksdale, and Irish band The Frames, and Flogging Molly among many others) or Jim Steinman (famous for producing Meat Loaf's Bat Out Of Hell.)?Today, every kid with a guitar and a laptop has a band.??But not every band aims high; and they should. If not, what's the point? Or so you could argue. Music doesn't have to be completely new and different from what has come before. Band's like Arcade Fire didn't really do anything new. All listeners want is an interpretation of the emotions that rule our lives. Something a little different, and something true.??Guitarist Jason Adams, who also plays steel guitar (always nice to see something strange in a standard rock ensemble of drums, lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass and keys), says Clouds of Analog is different than all other bands he has played in. Adams believes that what he does within these epic songs and melodies is push for the tragedy and to create songs that are both soulful and unique. Though, Adams admits that "initiative and work ethic is the key to success." Good to hear. Bad news for every kid with a garage band and a hundred dollar guitar who is bored on the weekends. It's hard to become a rock star.??Even those for whom opportunity seems to drop in their lap, the challenges aren't only at the beginning of a band, but throughout the career. In fact, with all the problems that face successful rock stars, you may wonder…why bother? It can't be the money. If you want money, get an MBA and go sit behind a desk ten hours a day in some skyscraper. Why does Clouds of Analog want to be heard? Why do I think they should be heard? Well, listen to the audio portion of RockStar Weekly's interview and hear songwriter Robin Younge's reasons – from an abusive childhood, to religious sensitivity – why he writes the songs he writes. Robin Younge is a religious being who sees demons and is brought to tears by the innocence of children.??Listen and find out why.? - Elegwen Ó Maoileóin, Rockstar Weekly


"This week in music."

Stadium-ready anthemic rock from north Vancouver-based singer/ songwriter Robin Younge. Walls of heavy guitars and keyboards bunker Younge’s pleading vocals that sound at times like U2’s Bono or Coldplay’s Chris Martin. Musically, however, it’s a more daunting affair, reminiscent of? Joy Divison’s “Closer” or Peter Gabriel’s third outing. Emotionally stripped, the lyrics are honest and contemplative.
- Greg Potter, TV Week Magazine


"Clouds of Analog"

North Van singer-songwriter Robin Younge’s debut under the moniker Clouds of Analog is a lofty undertaking. Taking its cues from the conceptuality of acts such as Peter Gabriel and Nine Inch Nails, The Funeral March is an exercise in grief and self-examination rife with dramatic flair. Heavy on anthemic guitars and piano layers, the band’s debut borrows mostly from The Killers and Interpol, and songs such as single Lately and Lightning soar on operatic choruses. Produced by Vancouver newcomer Martin Acosta, the album sounds crisp and vibrant. The vocals sometimes lack control, especially when Younge really starts pushing hard, but in softer moments his deep tone is a reassuring presence. The Funeral March is a surprisingly mature debut effort, one that should really garner Younge some attention.
- Francois Marchand, Vancouver Sun


"Clouds of Analog pilots an emotional journey on The Funeral March."

When a CD comes with a press release describing it as “a collection of songs based on the emotional stages of grief”, you know it’s not going to be the sort of thing you’ll want to throw on at your next dinner party. Well, you might, but only if your goal is to see your guests assume the fetal position under the table and weep inconsolably.
Yes, thematically, The Funeral March is a downer, with songs peopled by riven souls, burdened by guilt and shouldering disappointment. Clouds of Analog’s singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Robin Younge, stays true to his chosen theme. The last stage of grief, according to the Kübler-Ross model, is acceptance, and Younge closes the disc with “Wrong”, the final line of which is a wearily resigned “There’s something wrong with me.”
So it’s not exactly sunshine and lollipops, but The Funeral March feels genuine, and it’s a beautifully rendered roller coaster of emotions. Younge has a lovely voice, and he uses it to convey weighty feelings without losing sight of the melody. He has surrounded himself by seriously talented people, including keyboardist Camille Fournier, bassist Joseph Henderson McCance, and especially impressive drummer Chris Warunki. Whether it’s on a guitar-seared rocker like “Lightning” or the string-gilded weeper “When I Was Young”, they help Younge deliver his songs in ways that boost their power while avoiding the soporific. Even so, this wouldn’t make ideal background music for a marathon Twister session.
- John Lucas "Georgia Straight"


"The Funeral March Clouds Of Analog (self released)"

This is the full length debut for Penticton born/ Vancouver raised singer, songwriter and guitarist Robin Younge.  As you might expect from the album title, this disc visits some dark places- places I know all too well.
Inspired and influenced by artists like Peter Gabriel, Nine Inch Nails and Emmylou Harris, Younge has crafted an album of songs based on the various stages of grief., having spent much of his life listening to music as a source of comfort and therapy, as most of us do.  The energy of many of these songs though, like Lightning for instance, belies the gravity of the subject matter.  But even without knowing this, open the CD cover and the inscription inside will let you know that you’re in for more than just a pile of toe tappers; “wear on the outside/ what you wear on the inside/ expect to be judged”.
Sonically, I’m not sure where to place The Funeral March. The music is dark but mostly energetic, perhaps he borrows that from NIN.  Vocally I can hear similarities with Peter Gabriel and perhaps in songs like Ethylene the music too, but as for Emmylou Harris, the influence is mainly in the depth of the lyrics.  “My entire life, I’ve wanted to write the music that I’m writing right now” Younge says.  “This is my path… and there’s nothing else that I see myself doing.”
Produced in Vancouver by up and comer Martin Acosta and mixed by Delwyn Brooks (Biff Naked, Holly McNarland) the instruments surrounding Robin Younge’s voice are given space to breathe and express the emotions they were meant to convey.
Dark and beautiful- that’s The Funeral March.
TOP TRACKS:  In Dying Light, When I Was Young, Lightning
- Roc Doc (Gonzo Online)


"Clouds of Analog"

This is the full length debut for Penticton born/ Vancouver raised singer, songwriter and guitarist Robin Younge. As you might expect from the album title, this disc visits some dark places- places I know all too well. Inspired and influenced by artists like Peter Gabriel, Nine Inch Nails and Emmylou Harris, Younge has crafted an album of songs based on the various stages of grief., having spent much of his life listening to music as a source of comfort and therapy, as most of us do. The energy of many of these songs though, like Lightning for instance, belies the gravity of the subject matter. But even without knowing this, open the CD cover and the inscription inside will let you know that you’re in for more than just a pile of toe tappers; “wear on the outside/ what you wear on the inside/ expect to be judged” - - Rock Doc, Gonzo Online (Mar 02, 2012)


Discography

2011 Self titled 4 track E.P.

2012 Full length album called, The Funeral March.

Photos

Bio

Penticton-born, North Vancouver-based Robin Younge is a singer, songwriter and guitarist who performs under the moniker of Clouds of Analog.
 
Inspired and influenced by the likes of Peter Gabriel, Nine Inch Nails and Emmylou Harris, Younge is set to introduce himself with the release of his first full-length album, The Funeral March, on March 13, 2012.
 
Produced in Vancouver by up-and-comer Martin Acosta and mixed by Delwyn Brooks (Bif Naked, Holly McNarland) The Funeral March is a collection of songs based on the emotional stages of grief.  The first single, “Lately”, focuses on the battle with one’s ego and how it is used to protect oneself from getting hurt, which inevitably leads to the inability to truly enjoy the gifts that come one’s way.
 
Having spent most of his life listening to music as a source of comfort and therapy, Younge has always been determined to write and perform his own. 
 
“My entire life, I’ve wanted to write the music that I’m writing right now.  This is my path and although it has been a long and challenging one, there’s nothing else that I see myself doing."