Fernando Perdomo: "Clouds 5" (2026) CD Review

Fernando Perdomo is continuing his year-long Clouds project with Clouds 5. For those who aren't yet familiar with this project, Fernando Perdomo is releasing an album of new material on the first of every month. Not only does he write all the tracks, but plays all the instruments and produces the albums. And this is the second such project he's undertaken, the first being last year's Waves. The photo on the cover Clouds 5 grabbed me because it's unlike any of the photos from the other volumes so far, as well as unlike any of the Waves covers from last year's series. It's the first dark sky to be depicted. And as I was looking at the album cover, I wondered if the image, taken by Sheila DeChant, would reflect the music.

Well, the answer is Yes. The first track, titled "The Dark Mass," has a contemplative vibe, along with a sense of loneliness, particularly early on as the music seems to speak out into the darkness without receiving a reply. What's interesting is that it is not long before we realize we are being soothed in our solitude, that a sort of peace is found there. Like a single light hitting us in our own singularity. And then, just as we've begun to feel that sense, the music turns slightly, just enought to set us at unease before its conclusion, which is also interesting. That is followed by "Overcast," and here the guitar seems to be testing the waters, testing the air, seeing if a small action might have unusual repercussions, create ripples in the sky. The guitar work is pretty, and this idea of sending beauty up and out is appealing. After all, it seems what we as a species are putting out there these days is anything but beautiful. Perhaps the cosmos would respond if we tried a different tactic. And even if we can't get in touch with anything out there, this music helps us reach inward as well. 

There is perhaps a slight hesitation at the very beginning of "The Baron," but it might be more from weariness and caution, for now we sense the presence of someone of experience, someone unlikely driven to rash or impulsive action. The solo guitar work here is soon captivating, creating an intriguing character. There is a beauty here too, a beauty that comes from wisdom, that rises from taking in one's surroundings and really seeing them. This is one of my personal favorite tracks, and it seems to lift us as it reaches its conclusion. Then a gentle hand is present in "Honey," offering a soothing, friendly reminder that we are okay, that there is nothing that demands our attention right now. A sweet light drips down upon us. The music grows in intensity at one point, only to then release us again into a pretty place, with stars twinkling around us, and we're safe.

With "Bangor Sun," we immediately find ourselves in an unusual place, a space of both light and dark, a place of rhythm and breath, with a pulse that is like a current running beneath us. Sometimes it feels like a swim through darkness. Spots open within the darkness, light coming in through them, and maybe something also rushes out through those openings, those gaps. Reality changes around us, even if we are somehow able to remain still. Perhaps we are carried on that current, and we feel it like a gentle dance. This is another of the album's highlights for me. Then "Anything Can Happen" feels like a continuation of "Bangor Sun." We feel light, untethered, drifting, with every direction open to us. And beauty lies in all directions. This is a short track, just under a minute long.

The very first moment of "Move With Life" is gentle; then almost immediately the music begins to increase its pace, its intensity, as if it needs an answer, aware that time is short. Sometimes, being aware of that, we rush forward, whether that's the right direction or not. And almost as quickly, the music seems to realize a pause, a breath is warranted, is probably beneficial. Take a look around, and then we see the urgency is no more. What a great feeling that is. Floating free. And then, having taken that breath, having looked around, a specific direction is chosen. Or perhaps it is that something from that direction demands our attention, and for a moment we are caught up in its action, its urgency becoming our own. But we'd learned something and so are able to take a step back, to assess, to see the pattern, to choose whether to let it drive us or not. There is some wonderful, expressive guitar work throughout this track. It is another of the album's highlights, and it leaves us feeling good, like we can face whatever might come our way.

With "Big Sigh," I love how the music feels like a smile growing, almost without us realizing it, and the smile might very well be our own. Isn't it wonderful how music can do that? Then there is a joy to "NeeNee," like a dance that takes place in some inner spot. It is like a bright mantra, and a deeper response. It's an interesting piece. It is followed by "The End Of An Astounding Day," which eases in, perhaps a voice of reflection. Then, remembering something exciting, it becomes excited again, before then relaxing, taking pieces of joy, pieces of beauty from the experience and holding them again to view before letting them go. They fly up and around, lingering as dancing lights before disappearing into the night. And then, after a breath, it is time for us too to let go.

CD Track List

1. The Dark Mass
2. Overcast
3. The Baron
4. Honey
5. Bangor Sun
6. Anything Can Happen
7. Move With Life
8. Big Sigh
9. NeeNee
10. The End Of An Astounding Day

Clouds 5 was released on May 1, 2026.