Reviews
The Dinner Set
Comfort Clouds – “I’ve Been Searching”/”33.3% Older Than I Am”/”Text Messages!”
- by The Noise Is, published October 10, 2010
Comfort Clouds is “a team of scientists and engineers” formed from long-time friends and members of Ohio post-rockers Six Parts Seven. They claim that their “goal is to eventually be Steely Dan or Sade, but a bit more spectral.” That’s quite a goal, but nevertheless, the Akron and Clevelanders have crafted a beautiful pop debut, The Dinner Set, with ambient, post-rock, and jazz qualities that reflect both the fluid musicianship and amazing writing. Comfort Clouds are part of the Bark & Hiss label collective, with other notables Trouble Books, of whom make a few appearences on this record, and Talons. You can download the full album for $6 from BandCamp, where you can also order the CD or get it through the Bark & Hiss Store.
Text Messages! (originally released as Dinomaina)
- by Circling the Drain, published July 2, 2010
Dinomania was the previous name of Comfort Clouds, before they changed names. Dinomania put out this one EP, and it is absolutely amazing. This album has such a good vocal style in which it floats along with the instrumentals, and makes this album move along smoothly and beautifully. But, while the vocals might not be the focal point here, they do add a subtle charm to the songs while never detracting from the band’s alluring instrumentals. All of these songs have a lucid-dream feel to them, making you feel at ease and constantly inebriated with relaxation. Overall, Dinomania bring us some hypnotic and mesmerizing indie pop that everyone needs to have on their playlist. This would be playing in a movie about me, when me and my girlfriend were laying on a hill with an oak tree behind us while fireflies lit the sky up, and the audience would know that everything is alright. Roll credits.
- by Sound as Language, published December 22, 2008
I was addicted to these songs upon my first listen. Not sure what the future holds for this mysterious outfit but I hope it includes more music in 09!
- by Sound as Language, published June 16, 2008
I would write an 80′s album for your honor if you just text back. So begins the fabulous debut EP from Dinomania which is appropriately titled, Text Messages. While I have not found too much information about the band, it does include a former member of the instrumental outfit, The Six Parts Seven. While Dinomania do indulge in vocals, this EP feels more like an instrumental journey. Perhaps that is because the lyrics often possess a stream of conscious flow to them. But, while the lyrics might not be the focal point here, they do add a subtle charm to the songs while never detracting from the band’s alluring arrangements. Dinomania’s songs have a curious air about them as they float above you in an almost dreamlike state. Perhaps this is way off base but I am reminded of Stereolab at times especially on the track “Airstream”. “Math Biographies” sounds just as angelic as Antlers (songs like “Water Tupelo” and “Catalpa”) were on their debut LP earlier this year. The song continues the clever wordplay practiced throughout the EP by Dinomania. The band provide us with four songs that mesmerize and hypnotize at each and every captivating turn. A full length is scheduled for release later in 2008. Color me excited.