03-01-19
Cloud Cult and its album Light Chasers has come up a few times through this project. I’ve been extremely fortunate to be able to revisit this album in such depth over the last few months. From the moment I first listened to it, I was wholly captivated. I wanted nothing more but to live in the perpetual state of emotions it created. Additionally, it has proven time and time again to be great sparks to my creative endeavors.
Loss of an infant child knows no statute of limitations. Craig and Connie Minowa of Cloud Cult suffered this reality in 2002, resulting in a year-long separation that nearly ended their relationship. Craig found solace in locking himself away and basking in the memories, photos, videos, and recordings he had of their son Kadin. Through that time it’s said he created thousands of songs… most of which he’s since deleted.
Apologies if this is regurgitating things that have already been covered from other songs off the same album. Within its nearly hour-long story, Light Chaser tries to capture the final moments of a seemingly lost and fading astronaut through their last moments, drifting through the nothingness that is space; the story takes place through multiple points, and not entirely in a linear order. As described by the band, “[Light Chasers] is a concept album that interweaves stories focused on the exploration of the mysteries of the universe, life, and death.”
In the grand story that is Light Chasers, Dawn, is the small bit of respite towards the eventual final climax, allowing for an opportunity to breathe in between some of the heavier songs. For this moment, everything is going to plan, and with that, there’s nothing to worry about.
If optimism is operating within the mind frame, that you’re in the best possible world, then those moments when everything is going according to the plan are points where optimism would be flourishing the most. I listen to Craig Minowa’s, and I am captivated by the entire concept behind this album’s creation. In some way, it was another outlet in mitigating his personal grief and turmoil, and instead of penning more songs of pain, he found a way to refocus that energy.
Cloud Cult has worked for nearly two decades to create an energy that extends far beyond that of merely a band. They work to encapsulate a spirit and essence of hope. Their music, ultimately, is quite ceremonial. From their often “rapture-ous” album covers to their continued howls, chanting, rhythmic drumming and even song titles (The Invocation p. 1 (You’ll Be Bright)” or “The Lessons (Exploding People). The message is finally drilled home when witnessing them live. There in the flavor of the live experience, you’re able to observe two live painters and a swirl of ecstatic sound… the elation in every member is the cherry on top of a powerful experience that is akin to some sort of secular devotional experience.
Lyrics:
The airport’s clear for a landing
The snow is melting on the garden
All our anxieties are in a box I mailed to Pluto
And I feel like the sun
Gonna burn it all away
We rest our heads upon one pillow
Beg for falling stars to break in our window
Outside the evergreens are blowing out their birthday candles
And I feel like the wind
Gonna blow it all away
Pray to the ‘I Don’t Know’ that made me
Protect my Love, protect my friends, protect my baby
I may have worries, but I’m not going crazy
I feel like the rain
Gonna wash it all away
I can’t breathe unless you’re in my air
I’m not here unless you’re somewhere near
When old age calls, we’ll share a rocking chair
And I feel like the dawn
That light is getting near