On The Verge

Cloud Control

New South Wales, Australia
Heartfelt Psychedelic Sounds
www.cloudcontrolband.com

Bred in Australia’s Blue Mountains, the indie psych-pop group Cloud Control sprang from humble roots. “It was for a little band competition,” says vocalist/keyboardist Heidi Lenffer, “and I thought it would be a silly thing we’d do for a few weeks, but something clicked between the four of us.” Along with vocalist/guitarist Alister Wright, bassist Jeremy Kelshaw and drummer Ulrich Lenffer, the group began fusing luscious vocals, distinctive harmonies and echoes of African tribal influences. “Alister would be making demos and we’d work off those and form them into band arrangements,” says Lenffer of the songwriting process. “We all had a hand at the music.” After winning the competition, Cloud Control released a self-titled EP in 2008 and then signed with Infectious Music in 2010. Their debut LP, Bliss Release, won the 2011 Australian Music Prize. After completing an extended international tour this year, the group will take a creative respite. “I’ve been getting inspired by our travels, but it’s hard to know how that will be articulated [in the music I write],” says Lenffer. “We write organically and what evolves is often surprising to us.”