Hailing from the serene landscapes of Kimberley, BC, and now casting her musical spells from Vancouver, Clara MacLeod, known to her audience as Clara Cloud, emerges as a beacon of ethereal storytelling. Her background in musical theatre and composition shines through in every note she sings, each word she crafts, weaving a tapestry of Celtic, folk, alternative, and dreampop sounds. With nature and mythology as her muses, Clara Cloud truly believes in the magic of music, an ethos palpably evident in her musical journey so far.
In October 2020, Clara introduced listeners into her musical world with the debut single “Window”, a haunting melody that found its place in Leah Galloway’s short film “Finding Your Rhythm”. Following this promising start, Clara Cloud has continued to enchant her listeners with a series of self-produced singles, leading up to her much-anticipated debut album.
Released on April 19th, 2024, “The Woods” is Clara Cloud’s magnum opus, a heartfelt compilation of 8 songs accompanied by 6 mesmerizing music videos. The album takes its listeners on a seasonal journey, beginning and ending with the warmth of summer, encapsulating the essence of growth, the dichotomy of love and fear, and the art of finding oneself amidst life’s chaos.
At its core, “The Woods” is an ode to inner child healing, with Clara’s guiding philosophy that reconnecting with nature is akin to rediscovering oneself. Each track in “The Woods” is a sublime introspection, pulling you into its embrace from the first note to the last. Clara’s vocals, delicate and smooth, resonate perfectly with the intricate instrumentation that adorns each composition. Her Celtic heritage, combined with her whimsical approach to music-making, creates an ethereal folk-pop sound that transports listeners to a realm of enchantment.
The Woods Album Track List:
Clover:
As the opening track of “The Woods,” “Clover” serves as a mesmerizing introduction to Clara Cloud’s enchanting world. The haunting and deep opening of the song immediately captures listeners, creating a captivating and mysterious atmosphere. Clara Cloud’s tender singing adorns the piece, bringing forth a gentle, tingling tune that dispels the eerie start and engulfs the listener in a tranquil feeling. “Clover” beautifully celebrates the joys of life’s little joys and unexpected moments, embodying a sense of relaxation and luck. The words create a clear image of relaxing in clover-covered fields, symbolizing moments of happiness and peace, taking listeners to sunny meadows where troubles disappear.
Clara Cloud’s singing on “Clover” is incredibly enchanting, smoothly gliding above the gentle guitar and subtle percussion that create the song’s understated but impactful music. She has impressive vocal control, smoothly moving from soft whispers to stronger, emotional notes, expressing a variety of emotions from yearning to satisfaction. The arrangements of the acoustic components in “Clover” evoke traditional folk ballads but also have a modern and fresh touch. The outcome is an auditory landscape that evokes feelings of nostalgia while also providing a refreshing experience, encouraging listeners to immerse themselves in its beauty and warmth.
“Clover” shines as a folk-influenced standout in “The Woods,” highlighting Clara Cloud’s skill in storytelling and music. The song’s flawless musical arrangement, sincere lyrics, and perfect mix of eerie and uplifting qualities culminate in a memorable listening experience that lingers. As the opening track, “Clover” sets the tone for the rest of the album, providing a mesmerizing experience that resonates deeply with listeners.
Little People:
“Little People,” another captivating track from “The Woods,” opens with an enigmatic allure that is both haunting and soothing. The opening seconds of the song immediately draw listeners in with their mysterious ambiance, setting the stage for Clara Cloud’s entrancing vocals. As Clara’s voice joins the composition, it is backed by a subtle rhythmic undertone that adds a distinct allure to the track. In the background, faint voices can be heard speaking and carrying out activities, adding layers of depth and intrigue to the song. Clara Cloud’s vocals in “Little People” carry a profound weight, singing introspectively and drawing listeners into her world with every note.
The gentle melody supporting Clara’s vocals in “Little People” is understated but impactful, exuding a soft charm that unfurls gradually and seamlessly throughout the song. The blend of instruments and vocals seamlessly come together, resulting in an engaging and absorbing auditory journey that enchants the senses. The combination of Clara’s emotional singing and subtle music creates a track that is soothing and captivating, encouraging listeners to get lost in its beauty and depth.
In general, “Little People” is a fragile and soft piece that highlights Clara Cloud’s musical skill and storytelling ability. The song provides a gentle, velvety, and absorbing auditory journey that deeply touches the spirit. With its mysterious beginning, thoughtful words, and enchanting tunes, “Little People” is a remarkable song on “The Woods” that is sure to linger in the minds of those who hear it, urging them to discover more of Clara Cloud’s captivating musical universe.
Golden Boy:
“Golden Boy,” the third song on “The Woods,” presents itself as an engaging musical story that develops like a narrative. The lyrics in this song by Clara Cloud are centered around a romantic relationship with a boy who she fondly calls ‘golden boy.’ The lyrical storytelling captivates listeners, painting a vivid picture of the relationship between the two characters. Clara’s performance on “Golden Boy” is characterized by a soft and reflective vocal delivery, which brings complexity and feeling to the story. The combination of her vocals with the music blends effortlessly, resulting in a unified and enchanting listening session that truly feels genuine and heartfelt.
The instruments in “Golden Boy” have a captivating ethereal quality that contributes to the song’s enchanting atmosphere. The gentle but powerful rhythm provides a stable foundation for the song, keeping a smooth flow that enhances Clara’s singing and narrative. During the entire length of the song, the vocals and instruments both uphold a captivating rhythm, resulting in a feeling of coherence and harmony that improves the overall enjoyment of the music. The ethereal nature of the instrumentation enhances the track by adding depth and texture, immersing listeners in a realm where emotions are profound and relationships are depicted with sincerity and openness.
In general, “Golden Boy” is a standout song on “The Woods,” highlighting Clara Cloud’s talent for creating engaging musical stories that deeply connect with the audience. The song’s soothing reflective singing, paired with its captivating otherworldly music, form a unified and engaging listening journey that embodies the core of connections and feelings felt by humans. “Golden Boy” encourages listeners to delve into the nuances of love and relationships, solidifying its place as a standout track in Clara Cloud’s captivating musical endeavor.
The Woods:
Concluding the album “The Woods,” the self-titled track “The Woods” serves as a central theme that captures the soul and core of the entire musical experience. The song begins with the natural sounds of birds chirping, instantly immersing the audience in a magical woodland of curiosity and reflection. This moody opening creates the perfect setting for Clara Cloud’s celestial singing, which is both captivating and seemingly out-of-this-world. While leading us through her poetic forest, Clara’s singing acts as a guiding light, pulling listeners further into the magical realm she has built.
The delicate instrumentation in “The Woods” intricately blends together to create a subtle and gentle melody that beautifully enhances Clara’s soft vocals. The musical components seamlessly combine, forming a unified auditory experience that mirrors the enchanting ambiance of the mystical forest depicted in the lyrics. Every note and lyric appears carefully constructed, demonstrating Clara Cloud’s skill in developing musical landscapes that deeply connect with audiences.
Overall, “The Woods” is a well-crafted tune that is a suitable ending to the album. It captures the essence of “The Woods” in theme and music, showcasing Clara Cloud’s talent for crafting immersive and emotionally impactful musical journeys. As the last track on the album, “The Woods” urges listeners to explore Clara Cloud’s enchanting world one more time before the album concludes.
“The Woods” is a collective work of art produced by over 30 skilled individuals from British Columbia, including the cinematographers, photographers, actors, makeup artists, musicians, and music producers. Together, they have produced an immersive sound space that is enchanting and healing. “The Woods” not only offers a variety of sounds but also serves as a visual delight. The music videos from the album combine to create a brief movie, offering a queer perspective on the ancient Greek tale of Artemis, Apollo, and Orion. This distinctive story brings an extra level of complexity to the album’s main narrative, turning “The Woods” into a captivating experience for both the mind and the spirit.
To wrap up, Clara Cloud’s “The Woods” beckons you to begin a memorable musical adventure, guaranteeing a connection that touches the soul, mends hidden hurts, and brings you to a realm where enchantment exists. Therefore, do yourself a favor and fully engage with the captivating universe of “The Woods” by Clara Cloud. You will not have any reason to regret it.
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