Brooklyn-based post-punk outfit Clone presents their invigorating new single ‘Redeemer’, a scathing indictment of the modern obsession with the cult of personality that folks so easily create and bow down to. In this era of pumped self-image and a spineless culture full of big egos with single-facet talents (or lack thereof) worshipped like false idols, we see this largely in the realms of entertainment and politics, though this is not an extensive list. Hollow trends, manufactured personas, this is a cleverly-constructed sonic commentary on a world obsessed with the superficial and the emptiness that lurks beneath the surface.
‘The third taste of their debut ‘CL. 1’ album (following ‘Immutable’ and ‘Dividing Line’), through their sharp guitars and penetrating vocals, this is a call to arms to see through the charade and puncture such phenomena as hero worship, hype and propaganda (and get back to what is real). Spot on! What a fantastic job they have done here.
Clone is led by LG Galleon, best known as frontman of Dead Leaf Echo, On this album, he is joined by NYC musicians Gregg Giufree (Pilot to Gunner), Max Idas and Dominick Turi. Clone started playing shows in summer of 2019, building their fanbase organically, brick by brick, word of their incendiary live shows spreading. Each time they play, more are won over. As a live band today, Clone also involves Paul Liziragga (Namesake) and Alex Cox (The Veldt).
LG Galleon explains, “’Redeemer’ is about convincing yourself that betrayal can be used as a form of trust. Religious groups always need a scapegoat that has failed them to rely on to strengthen beliefs within their core. Like the smiling face on your television, it only takes a viral face to dictate policy to the people. Whether it’s Donald Trump paying homage to Hannibal Lecture or Eric Adams telling immigrants to become lifeguards because he thinks they’re good swimmers. Even the lowest level of intelligence can enthrall and convince the public with ridiculous statements.”
Operating in what’s rapidly becoming an antiquated model, they’re a unit of parts. Egalitarian in their writing process, one where songs are built upon inchoate sparks offered freely by any member, letting the jams run free in their rehearsal space until there’s a complete song, guided by the alchemy of intuition. There’s no rule book here, and no one defining member, but there is a palpable chemistry.
As a debut album, ‘CL.1’ is a damn auspicious opening volley, recorded and mixed by NYC legendary producer Martin Bisi (Sonic Youth, Swans, Brian Eno, John Zorn, Herbie Hancock, Iggy Pop, Helmet, Dresden Dolls, Cop Shoot Cop) at his famed BC Studio, built by Brian Eno. Produced by LG Galleon and Bisi, it was mastered by Fred Kevorkian.
Clone’s music is evocative, in ethos and ambition, of a time when music still could change lives. Their lyrics involve the struggles and critiques of the working person’s daily life.
Rooted in belief in its galvanizing, redemptive power, the kind which used to be written for the lonely and the scarred and the diffident (before something truly was lost), something deeply enmeshed within the human psyche that could be shared. Clone are fitfully reclaiming this, which at its crux, is the imagination of youth. It’s captured vividly here, and their private universe of sonic exploration is now open to all.
‘Redeemer’ is out now, available exclusively throughBandcamp, while the previous two singles are also available on Apple Music, Spotify and elsewhere online. On June 21, the ‘CL. 1’ album will be released everywhere digitally and as a 12″ vinyl LP through Portland-based Little Cloud Records and North Carolina’s5BC Records, run by the famous Chavis twins of legendary shoegaze bandThe Veldt.
CREDITS
All tracks written by Clone
Lyrics by LG Galleon (onewithwave music ASCAP)
Performed by LG Galleon / Gregg Giufree / Max Idas / Dominick Turi
LG Galleon – guitar, vocals, keys
Gregg Giufree – drums
Max Idas – bass
Dominic Turi – guitar, keys
Recorded and mixed by Martin Bisi (Sonic Youth, Swans) at BC Studios
Co-produced by LG Galleon
Mastered by Fred Kevorkian
‘Dividing Line’ video by Preston Spurlock
BnW artist photography by Silvia Saponaro
Album cover art designed by Roy Burns iii
Single cover artwork by Jacques Urioste
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