Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 7.5/10
Perhaps the most poignant sentence was uttered towards the end of the nine day showcase of music at L.I.P.A.s Paul McCartney Auditorium as Oscar Vladau-Husevold, vocalist for Norwegian rockers Cloud, said with a the forming of a tear in his eye, the immortal word “Goodbye”.
This was not the way perhaps many of the artists leaving L.I.P.A. would choose to introduce the last song of their set, but it was arguably the most heartbreaking and yet profound moments in the days that have seen some of the most superb of artists to have graced the stage and some of the best music available to watch.
It was a moment that may have been missed by many in the subtle darkness of the auditorium, however utilising 2ube Extra’s livefeed, the picture was to join in the sorrow felt and the gig that led to the final, (perhaps) appearance on stage by the Norwegian born but Scouse raised group.
Oscar Vladau-Husevold, Daniel Abboud, Thomas Bottolfsen and Simen Helbæk Kjølberg gave a tremendous account of themselves on the stage. Heart beating, powerful, full of flowering command and blossoming decree of fulfilment, Cloud decreed enjoyment and for those in the auditorium, the special knowledge that passed between band and crowd was a joy to witness; the decree was met and raised and the songs were given a certain resonance of high expectation and good, honest delivery.
Tracks such as Valentine List with its twisted corruptibility leaving the guitars to grow to the point of pronounced judgement and Space Mountain were a joy to listen to and whilst it is hoped that the band will, and should continue, long after this goodbye to the Paul McCartney Auditorium, their infectious demeanour will live long in the thoughts of anyone who has seen them perform in Liverpool and beyond in the last three years.
Goodbye it may be, but it was a hell of a lot of fun watching them tear the stage apart as they waved with fondness throughout the set, the smiles betraying just how close a band they are and enjoyable to watch.
Ian D. Hall