Cloud Cult gathers new followers on the Free At Noon stage

The stage this Friday included most of the usual setup – drums, a few guitars, a keyboard. What stood out most were the canvas and paint supplies.

Minnesota alt-rock band Cloud Cult, started by Craig Minowa, has always included an artist or two to finish a painting during the set. At their Free at Noon debut, Scott West was onstage alongside the six-piece band, spinning his canvas and singing along.

Cloud Cult is composed of Minowa on guitar, Jeremy Harvey on drums, Shannon Frid-Rubin on violin, Daniel Zamzow on cello, Shawn Neary on bass and trombone, Sarah Elhard-Perbix on keyboard and French horn. Starting in 1995, the group has created a unique brand of self-help rock, with uplifting melodies punctuated by raw, real lyrics. Their latest album, Alchemy Creek, was released on August 8th.

The set was incredible. Cloud Cult layered horns, strings, synths, piano, guitar and drums to create a sound caught somewhere between desperation and freedom. It’s surprising that their music hasn’t been used in an indie coming-of-age film score yet. As track 9 says, it’s “As Beautiful As It Hurts.” And with West contributing a blue-and-orange painting in the background, the set felt more like a piece of modern art in the best way, inspiring thoughts on creation, humanity, and the way music can influence our lives.

Cloud Cult fully deserved every cheer, clap, and whistle received on the World Cafe Live stage.  “Thank you very much,” Minowa said at the finale. “Go be good people!”

Cloud Cult will be playing at World Cafe Live tonight at 8pm. Tickets and more information available on XPN’s Concert Calendar. Check out the set list and photos below.