There’s something undeniably compelling about music that emanates from the depths of raw human experience. It resonates with our emotions, offering solace, understanding, and even a sense of kinship. Scottish five-piece band Cloud House is one of those rare groups with the ability to capture the essence of the human experience with remarkable honesty and emotion. Their latest EP, ‘Still Here,’ released on November 1, is a profound collection of songs that explore themes of grief, hope, resilience, childhood struggles, longing, loss, and personal growth. Cloud House has managed to create a soundscape that is both expansive and stadium-ready, marking a significant step in their artistic journey.
‘Still Here’ was crafted in the wake of lead singer Conor’s mother’s passing, following a long illness. Conor reflects on his mother’s influence, saying, “My mum would always say to me whenever anything weird happened – ‘you have to use this in a song.’ She always taught me to take inspiration from my life, so when she died, it was natural for me to create many of the songs on this EP.” This deeply personal connection to the music permeates every note of ‘Still Here.’
The EP comprises seven songs, with two of them, the title track ‘Still Here’ and the compelling ‘Don’t Wanna Talk,’ having been unveiled earlier this year. However, it is ‘Photographs,’ the EP’s opening track, that truly encapsulates the essence of Conor’s mother. The song is an emotional powerhouse that portrays his mother’s strength and resilience in the face of adversity. It was inspired by the realization that Conor’s home was adorned with photographs of her, serving as a constant reminder of her presence and the desire to preserve her memory.
Conor explains, “This song is about the absolute powerhouse she was. A woman who exceeded all expectations that people set upon her. She was an absolute superhuman. The lyrics depict the story of us, and how she refused to accept what doctors told her. She told me she was going to be here for me and get me through growing up. She did and then some; we had a life together.” ‘Photographs’ is an unfiltered, honest, and deeply personal tribute that invites listeners to connect with the profound emotions within.
Cloud House’s journey began in 2019 when they formed the band, but the roots of their musical aspirations go back much further. Each member – Conor, Patrick, Jack, Calum, and Morgan – brought a unique array of musical tastes, which has significantly influenced their distinctive sound. The common thread in their music is their ability to address the themes of loss and grief with authenticity, a topic that holds a special place in their hearts. Their music is so relatable that it moves people to tears and provides a sense of catharsis.
Calum reflects on one such experience during a live performance: “At a gig, we played one of the songs Conor had written about his mum. It happened shortly after one of my partner’s friends had tragically lost her mother to cancer. The song resonated with her so profoundly that she was moved to tears. She was determined to meet Conor, and she still recalls that moment to this day.”
This ability to connect deeply with their audience is a driving force for the band. Patrick shares, “Most of our songs are about trying to help someone else through something, or to see the bigger picture…there’s definitely a theme of wanting to be bigger than you are.”
Through their music, Cloud House serves as a vessel for the raw essence of the human experience. Their melodies carry the weight of their shared emotions, offering solace and understanding to their listeners. With their reputation steadily rising, the band stands on the precipice of greatness.
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