Claud – “Super Monster” Review

Story posted February 18, 2021 in CommRadio, Arts & Entertainment by Scott Perdue

A solid first studio album for any up-and-coming artist, Claud’s “Super Monster” is a tender dream pop record with a plentiful offering of vibrant alternative tracks.

Identifying as non-binary, singer-songwriter Claud Mintz — better known by their stage name Claud — has grown a cult following, especially in the queer community since their debut as a member of the alternative duo Toast.

Dropping out of college to pursue music full time, Claud made a name for themselves in the underground New York City music scene. Gaining traction with their notably charming bedroom pop style, tracks like “Easy” and “I Never Meant to Call” propelled Claud into the spotlight. Trying their hand as a solo artist, Claud’s first studio album acts as an impressive focal point of their already stunning discography.

Opening with the bright and smooth “Overnight,” Claud kicks off the record with a light love song. Immediately showcasing their affinity for writing relatable music, Claud incorporates themes such as youth and naive love as they craft a coming-of-age journey for the listener to get lost and immersed in.

The next track “Gold” rises the pace of the record. A bit more of an upbeat track, Claud showcases that they can infuse their unique commentary on love into a variety of styles.

The crown jewel of the album is the radiating pop track “Soft Spot.” Quite the earworm, this track easily gets stuck in the listener’s head due to the drifting drums, thumping string and fey, soothing vocals.

Each track feels purposeful; every song seems to build for the listener a story of youthful innocence and showcases a different dimension of Claud’s sound.

Tracks such as “Ana” and “Jordan” recount lost loves and partners that seem to no longer be a part of the picture. Other tracks such as “Guard Down” and “This Town” envelop the listener in the story of a wallflower learning what it means to grow up and face the adult world.

The album even comes to a satisfying close with the cascading “Falling with the Rain.”

While Claud’s music often has some real depth, some of the tracks on the record feel a bit surface level. Tracks such as “That’s Mr. B---- to You” and “Pepsi” are the apparent weaker songs on the record.

While still relevant and effective at displaying Claud’s charming youthful personality, the songs lack refinement. Nonetheless, fans will likely love the lighthearted nature of tracks such as these, so Claud is without a doubt appealing to their audience with every song while still staying true to their sound.

Claud’s aesthetic is definitely refreshing. In a sea of alternative and dream pop musicians, it’s often difficult to find an artist with actual individuality. Claud confidently displays an impressive collection of songs for their listeners that speak to youthful timidity and emerging identity.

For a debut record, Claud seems to already be far ahead of the game. At the ripe age of 21, Claud stands among a generation of young musicians who are shaping the next forefront of music.

Definitely earning their spot, every track feels well defined, and even the tracks that are a tad weaker have their shortcomings made up for thanks to Claud’s playful and appealing personality.

Likely with Claud’s next release, they will be able to iron out some of the kinks, but for now, they are very much able to craft an album which is an enjoyable listen and a joy to revisit.

Rating: 7/10

Reviewer’s Favorite Songs: “Soft Spot”

Reviewer’s Least Favorite Song: “That’s Mr. B---- to You” and “Pepsi”

 

Scott Perdue is a senior majoring in secondary education. To contact him, email rsp5246@psu.edu.