During the COVID-19 global pandemic, Cloud Nothings went back to basics in ways that brought out the best in their music. Since shows were off the table and their recording sessions were constrained by social distancing and file sharing, 2020s The Black Hole Understands and 2021s The Shadow I Remember concentrated on the thoughtful lyrics and hooky tunes at the heart of the bands music, and quickly became standouts within their body of work. Even though Cloud Nothings were able to tour the world several times and return to the studio as usual in the years between those albums and Final Summer, their approach is similar. Packing these concise songs with surging emotions and melodies is still their first priority, and they still excel at it: The regret Dylan Baldi conjures when he sings "I was on the edge of another life" over a half-swaggering, half-staggering rhythm on "Daggers of Light" feels bottomless. While Final Summer has its fair share of eloquent heartache, Baldi and company spend more time seeking out peace and contentment in a world that isnt inclined to either of those things. In their hands, self-care is punk rock, whether its achieved by ending toxic relationships on the revved-up "Thank Me for Playing," going for a head-clearing jog on "Running Through Campus," or becoming shatterproof on the gloriously crunchy anthem-in-the-making "Id Get Along." Cloud Nothings bolster this resilient mood with Final Summers sound, which is both heavier and smoother than their pandemic-era output. Propelled by analog synths and a turbocharged Motorik equally at home on the Autobahn and in the pit, the albums title track turns Baldis simple statement of purpose ("I need to be happy with what Ive got for me") into a manifesto with cinematic flair. The band may have recorded the album as a trio (with former guitarist Chris Brown taking over the low end for departed bassist TJ Duke), but youd never guess theyre down a member based on the 80s and 90s college rock-worshiping din of "Mouse Policy" or the radiant ruckus they kick up on "Common Mistake" and "The Golden Halo." Final Summer is another strong album from a remarkably consistent band, but its the wisdom, maturity, and joy Cloud Nothings bring to it makes it an especially satisfying listen. ~ Heather Phares

Rovi