The honest and ardent sound of Cloudmachine is slowly finding it’s way to a larger audience, getting warm response. Glowful songs with a beginning and an end that may touch you suddenly and out of nowhere. Elliot Smith meets Arcade Fire, if you must compare. Other names that spring to mind because of the harmonic layers maybe The Dears or Muse. But Cloudmachine has an own distinct style and identity.
The name of the band is referring to the famous Dutch skies that inspired many painters. Ruud Houweling’s songs come floating into his mind like the clouds above the sea that reach the coastal town where he lives. He sings and plays guitar. Marco Kuypers is the important man behind the piano and other keyboards. Ray Edgar Duyns plays bass, Richard Lagerweij guitars. And Michiel van Zundert is the expressive and driving drummer. Every single one of them has a colourful musical history which adds greatly to the rich sound of the band.
Cloudmachine has released two albums so far, both receiving a warm welcome by the Dutch music press (see press). The second one, Hum Of Life, opened many doors for the band. Currently they are working on their 3rd album.