The Dutch band The Clouds of Death releases their self-titled debut album. The album is a mix of post-punk, new wave, eclectic, and folk, with influences from bands like Joy Division, The Cure, and Pink Floyd. The band consists of Doc Star (vocals, guitar, piano), Joyce 'hypnotic' Strange (bass), Brother Flint (keyboards), and Mr. Misfit (drums). The band sings about dark themes such as war, depression, alienation, and love in a chaotic world.

The first side of the album opens with "Cloudy Days," a somber track with monotone vocals and a repetitive guitar riff. The song talks about the feelings of hopelessness and emptiness experienced by the singer. "Sunday Underpants" is a faster and more energetic track, with sarcastic lyrics about the dullness of bourgeois life. "Thunderstreak P-169" is an instrumental track that sounds like a soundtrack for a sci-fi movie. The song uses synthesizers, drums, and guitar effects to create a futuristic atmosphere. "Across the Sky" is a dreamy song with a floating melody and echoing vocals. The song is about the desire to escape reality and fly through the sky. "Rain Shadow" is the final track on the first side and the most experimental. The song consists of various sounds mimicking rain, thunder, and wind, interspersed with whispered words and cries.

The second side of the album begins with "Inside the Black Cloud," a hard and aggressive track with screaming vocals and distorted guitar. The song talks about the fear and anger the singer feels in a world threatened by nuclear war. "WWIII" is a political song that criticizes the powers responsible for the war threat. The song has a catchy chorus and an ironic tone. "The Uprising" is an anthem for the rebels resisting the system. The song has a rousing rhythm and a combative text. "Be my Watergirl" is the only love song on the album, but it's not a typical love song. The song is about the singer's obsession with a girl he only knows from his dreams. The song has a hypnotic melody and sensual vocals. "Misty Eyes" is a melancholic song that looks back on the singer's lost youth and innocence. The song features an acoustic guitar and harmonica accompaniment. "Sweet Dreams of Surrender" is the final track on the album and the most optimistic. The song is about the hope for peace and harmony in the world, despite all the misery. The song has a cheerful melody and a chorus that sings along.

The Clouds of Death is an album that shows how the band has developed their own style and sound in their first record. The album is an interesting combination of different genres and moods, forming a coherent whole. The album is both dark and light, cynical and hopeful, raw and refined. The band members showcase their talents on their instruments and voices, creating a unique atmosphere that takes the listener on a journey through their musical world.

©  Jan Hoop, February 1981