Clone - Redeemer
Brooklyn post-punk outfit Clone presents their invigorating new single 'Redeemer', which is about cult leaders and the “cult” of personality surrounding politics and celebrities. A scathing indictment of the modern obsession with the cult of personality that folks so easily create and bow down to. Hollow trends, manufactured personas, this is a cleverly-constructed sonic commentary on a world obsessed with the superficial and the emptiness that lurks beneath the surface.
'Redeemer' is the third taste of their debut 'CL. 1' album, following 'Immutable' and 'Dividing Line' with its multi-media video created by Preston Spurlock. Through their sharp guitars and penetrating vocals, this is a call to arms to see through the charade and puncture such phenomena as hero worship, hype and propaganda (and to get back to what is real).
This album will be released on vinyl and digitally via Portland-based Little Cloud Records and North Carolina's 5BC Records on June 21.
Clone is led by LG Galleon, best known as frontman of Dead Leaf Echo. On this album, he is joined by NYC musicians Gregg Giufree (Pilot to Gunner), Max Idas and Dominick Turi. Live, he is joined by Paul Liziragga (Namesake) and Alex Cox (The Veldt).
“'Redeemer' is about convincing yourself that betrayal can be used a form of trust. Religious groups always need a scapegoat, who has failed them, to rely on to strengthen beliefs within their core," says LG Galleon.
"Like the smiling face on your television, it only takes a viral face to dictate policy to the people. Whether it’s Donald Trump paying homage to Hannibal Lecture or Eric Adams telling immigrants to become lifeguards because he thinks they’re good swimmers. Even the lowest level of intelligence can enthrall and convince the public with ridiculous statements."
Clone started playing shows in summer of 2019, building their fanbase organically, brick by brick, word of their incendiary live shows spreading. Each time they play, more are won over.
Operating in what’s rapidly becoming an antiquated model, they’re a unit of parts. Egalitarian in their writing process, one where songs are built upon inchoate sparks offered freely by any member, letting the jams run free in their rehearsal space until there’s a complete song, guided by the alchemy of intuition. There’s no rule book here, and no one defining member, but there is a palpable chemistry.
As a debut album, 'CL.1' is a damn auspicious opening volley, recorded and mixed by NYC legendary producer Martin Bisi (Sonic Youth, Swans, Brian Eno, John Zorn, Herbie Hancock, Iggy Pop, Helmet, Dresden Dolls, Cop Shoot Cop) at his famed BC Studio, built by Brian Eno. Produced by LG Galleon and Bisi, it was mastered by Fred Kevorkian.
Clone's music is evocative, in ethos and ambition, of a time when music still could change lives. Their lyrics involve the struggles and critiques of the working person's daily life.
Rooted in belief in its galvanizing, redemptive power, the kind which used to be written for the lonely and the scarred and the diffident (before something truly was lost), something deeply enmeshed within the human psyche that could be shared. Clone are fitfully reclaiming this, which at its crux, is the imagination of youth. It’s captured vividly here, and their private universe of sonic exploration is now open to all.
'Redeemer' is out now, available exclusively through Bandcamp, while the previous two singles are also available on Apple Music, Spotify and elsewhere online. On June 21, the 'CL. 1' album will be released everywhere digitally and as a 12" vinyl LP - the Salt Sea Strain Edition entails an impressive black and white mix.
