New Clouds

Released in 2009 on the prestigious Kranky label, New Clouds represents the peak of Adam Forkner's 'fog-drone' aesthetic under the White Rainbow moniker. Following the more eclectic and rhythmic 'Zome', this album saw Forkner returning to long-form, immersive compositions that blend the boundaries between psychedelic rock, ambient, and modern classical. The album consists of four tracks, each exceeding twelve minutes, totaling over an hour of music. Forkner utilized a dense array of guitar loops, synthesizers, and subtle percussion to create a 'maximalist ambient' sound. Critics, including those at Pitchfork, noted the album's structural similarity to jazz or classical movements due to its improvisational feel and thematic development. It stands as a definitive document of the late-2000s American drone scene, characterized by its Pacific Northwest origins and its ability to find euphoria within repetitive, shimmering textures. The record remains a cult favorite for its unique ability to be both background atmosphere and a deeply rewarding foreground listening experience.