Claud’s first full-length album, Super Monster, is a delightful mix of bedroom pop and soft indie rock. The Brooklyn-based musician, formerly known as Toast, is the first artist to sign with Phoebe Bridgers new record label, Saddest Factory. Although Claud’s work is reminiscent of the sounds found in Bridgers’ music, Super Monster acts very much as its own entity. Named after a character created by renowned outsider artist Daniel Johnston, Claud uses to album to explore whatever creative pathways they feel like.

This exploration results in thirteen little tracks that can stand perfectly well in isolation, but play off each other to create contrast throughout the record. At one moment, Claud will be playing with auto-tuned vocals (“Guard Down”); at the next, they’ll be using acoustic guitars for a wistful ballad (“Ana”). Whatever it is, you can tell that each track is put together with care. Even when there’s a jarring moment—like the surprise tag on “In Or In-Between”—it still gives off the sense that it was purposefully done. 

All the production on the record is finely tuned in this manner—not to a state of sterilization, but in the pursuit of creating a musical piece that’s “just right.” It’s hard to tell whether it’s the guidance of the label, or simply Claud’s growth as an artist, but the record does seem to be a notch or two above their previous work. Claud has had skill all along, but with this album, they’ve had the opportunity and space to expand and bloom. Another welcomed development is the presence of guest artists. Particularly notable is Melanie Faye, who’s electric guitar add the creative heart to the defiant “That’s Mr. Bitch To You.”  

In addition to Claud’s instrumental work, their lyric writing is also commendable. With simple, clever lines like “We’ve been wasting time/ Get wasted every night”  in the song, “This Town,” Claud plays with words to fashion lyrics to make you smile. They also experiment with novel song topics. “Ana” explores the relationship of a man who leaves his wife in order to better himself. Meanwhile, the narrative of “Jordan” is inspired by Claud’s experience of living near Michael Jordan’s house, which was often left empty. By bringing this unique perspective to songwriting, Claud analyzes the world in new and interesting ways. 

These introspective leanings work effectively with the lo-fi stylings of the album. By combining these soft pop tracks with a sprinkling of upbeat rock, Super Monster acts as an unassuming but diverse album. It’s not in your face, but it’s quite nice. And you can still dance to it. 

Noah Haynes 

Favorite Tracks: Gold, In Or In-between, This Town, Jordan, Falling With the Rain 

Photo Credits come from: https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/claud-super-monster