Clouds

Sydney's the Clouds embodied the notion of a group hovering just short of widespread recognition. Early recordings that aligned with the alternative-rock surge of the early nineties never translated into lasting success, owing to a mix of inept handling, questionable choices, and repeated misfortune.

Jodi Phillis, handling vocals and guitar, and Patricia Young, covering vocals and bass, initially performed as Scudda Hey. They later recruited drummer Stuart Eadie and guitarist Robert Phelan, adopting the name the Clouds. Their debut appearance came as support for the Go-Betweens' final show at the Petersham Inn, an event that seemed to transfer both momentum and adversity.

While opening for Falling Joys the band gradually built enough following to headline, leading to a 1990 signing with Red Eye Records. Early EPs Cloud Factory and Loot met with approval, as did the debut full-length Penny Century. After Dave Easton took over guitar duties from Phelan, the album acquired a tougher, more aggressive edge and eventually earned gold status. Andrew Byrne stepped in for Stuart Eadie, who had parted ways following touring disagreements.

The 1991 mini-album Octopus appeared despite the label's preference for delaying until the following year to expand it into a longer set. Polydor, having absorbed Red Eye, issued Penny Century in England in 1993. With Raphael Whittingham now on drums the band traveled to London for promotion and live dates.

Demos for a third album met with limited enthusiasm from Polydor, which approved only the track "Domino" as a prospective single. In the studio the group rewrote the arrangement, resulting in a version featuring vocals slowed to the point of indistinguishability. When Thunderhead emerged, the single chosen was instead "Bowers of Bliss," which underperformed commercially.

During European and American dates the band cut the Beetroot EP in London. Polydor declined to schedule a timely U.S. release of Thunderhead to coincide with the visit. While based in San Francisco the group secured distribution through Elektra, which asked for a revised, radio-friendly version of the single. Prospects brightened until Warner Bros. merged Elektra with East West, resulting in the Clouds being dropped along with most of the roster.

Easton departed upon the return to Australia. Though the remaining members were content as a trio, the label urged them to enlist another guitarist. Ben Nightingale joined for the 1996 album Futura. Polydor again found the demos unsatisfactory and barred the inclusion of "Mid-Winter." Sales once more fell short of expectations. A clip filmed for "Never Say Forever" was so disliked that the band blocked its release, yet it later aired on television, prompting the decision to disband after a final tour in 1997.

Phillis subsequently formed the Dearhunters, while Young relocated to England. Upon Young's return to Australia in 2005 the two original members reconvened as the Girls from the Clouds, issuing the EP Lalalala before parting ways once more.