Cloud Becomes Your Hand

Formed during 2010 in Brooklyn, Cloud Becomes Your Hand originated with vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Stephe Cooper, who produced their self-titled cassette entirely alone. Completed by violinist Hunter Jack, synthesizer player Weston Minissali, and percussionists Sam Sowyrda and Booker Stardrum, the ensemble launched into live appearances and crossed the United States and Canada on tours alongside Wume and Guerilla Toss. Their sound radiates joy through an eclectic mix that pulls from avant-prog, cartoon music, psychedelic indie pop, and numerous further genres. Although the compositions remain tightly wound and unpredictable, often incorporating violins, angular guitar riffs, bizarre voices, woodwinds, and bursts of noisy electronics, they consistently reveal an attachment to catchy pop hooks along with a childlike sense of wonder. Cooper again handled the 2011 cassette Doggy Paddle solo, after which the 2013 CD-R Flying Clam appeared. Northern Spy issued the band’s first proper album, Rocks or Cakes, in 2014. Additional touring and continued sharpening of their kaleidoscopic approach preceded the arrival of former Guerilla Toss bassist Simon Hanes, which paved the way for the label’s release of the 2016 follow-up full-length Rest in Fleas.