More about: Claud

Having been recorded at New York City’s famed Electric Ladyland studios, Super Monster - debut album by Chicago artist Claud - seems to recapture some of the audio-magic that the Jimi Hendrix Experience whipped up in the first session at said studio fifty years previous. Hendrix captivated the world with a fiery brand of guitar-driven psychedelic rock and here, Claud, seemingly also a beatnik, leads a similarly outrageous musical endeavour loaded with non-conformist pop and touching personal narratives. 

The first album to be released on the guitar-smashing Phoebe Bridgers’ record label Saddest Factory Records, Super Monster examines everything from the wondrous experiences of first kisses ("you leaned in and the nerves went away") on ‘Overnight’ to the passionate buzz of sheer lust ("let’s go somewhere else / where we’re in the dark") on ‘In or In-Between’. Lead single ‘Soft Spot’ gently remarks on the temptations to rekindle things in broken relationships ("I wish I left all my things at your place / so I could come get them") and the attitude boiled into 'That’s Mr.Bitch to You’ bursts with self-love and assurance ("I turn my back / I’m stronger than you thought").

There’s refreshing originality on Super Monster. Its analysis of love is neither angry nor sentimental but more of an assessment: a study in the intricacies of romance, if you will. This illuminating journey through the goings-on of flirtation, heartbreak and loving entanglements shows Claud as being enlightened beyond their years and at just 21 has a lot to say on matters of the heart. 

Awash with ethereal melodies and largely keyboard and acoustic guitar-dependent arrangements, the majority of Super Monster follows an uncomplicated verse/chorus structure. While this does make for chart and radio-friendly pop this may also be where the record could have taken a few more risks. Nevertheless, Claud’s artistry is at its most interesting when things are a little more stripped back and reliant on the airy delivery of thoughtful lyrics. 

The theme of truthfulness to oneself plays a major part throughout. There’s no hiding from Claud on their debut, and this demonstration of both adoration and observation of self-love comfortably invite the listener to do the same, tenderly encouraging such expressions of reassurement to be replicated. 

Super Monster arrives 12 February via Saddest Factory Records.

More about: Claud