Mind in the clouds

We've reached that part of autumn where everything freezes at night, but melts during the day. Snowfall in the morning turns to rain and sleet as the day progresses. The sun is a rare sight. Clouds of various densities roll over the city and mark the slow passage of time. What better way to spend grey days like these than by sipping good coffee and undertaking an auditory venture to Cloud city by tuning to Betrayal at Bespin, especially their latest album, Rains.

I was introduced to the band a short while ago by one of the members, whom I met through cycling circles. I was instantly hooked to their vast world of sound and melancholy, almost hopeless songs, which flow like the clouds in different intensities, suddenly turning from a thin acoustic haze to an all out storm of raging electric guitar and wailing sax. Their music is no stroll in the park, it won't soothe your inner pain or bring a smile to your face. But if you do feel a bit melancholy or sentimental on a cloudy day and want to hear what you see and feel, this is what you need.