Clou
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2001 in Prague, Czech Republic |
| Defunct | 2014 |
| Headquarters | Prague , Czech Republic |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
Clou was a rock ensemble originating from Prague, Czech Republic, established in 2001 and known for performing songs in English. Their initial release was the EP First in 2004, followed by their debut full-length album Postcards in 2005. The band went on to produce three additional albums before dissolving in 2014.
Formation and Early Years: 2001–05
The original lineup of Clou included Lukáš Vyhnal on vocals, Radek Tomášek Jr. handling drums, Petr Vaško and Hubert Topinka on guitars, and Brian Yamato playing bass. Their musical style at inception combined elements of hardcore punk, emo, and punk rock. They performed regularly at venues such as clubs, skateboarding-related events, and participated in the Rock for People festival starting in 2004.
In 2004, the band introduced their three-track EP titled First. By the end of 2004 and into 2005, Clou entered the studio to record their first full album, Postcards.
Commercial Success and Recognition: 2005–06
Postcards, launched on 21 March 2005, garnered notable acclaim within the Czech music scene due to its fusion of melodic hardcore, punk rock, and pop punk influences. The track "Island Sun" reached the top position on Czech music charts and was featured among MTV’s Top 10 videos. The album included guest appearances by Slovak vocalist Dara Rolins and Kryštof Michal from Support Lesbiens. In 2006, it earned two prestigious Anděl Awards.
As Clou’s profile increased, they performed extensively across clubs and major outdoor festivals. During a tour in summer 2006, bassist Brian B. departed unexpectedly; following a series of acoustic shows and internal discussions, Štěpán Farkaš stepped in to fill the bass role.
Later that year, the band contributed original tracks to the soundtrack of the film Prachy dělaj člověka and commenced work on their sophomore album.
Subsequent Releases and Disbandment: 2007–14
Their second studio album, Clou, was unveiled in 2007, featuring lyrical input from American musician Austin Lucas, who resided in the Czech Republic at that time. To support this release, Clou toured alongside Selfish, The Prostitutes, and 5 April during the Ghosts of November tour.
In mid-2008, guitarist Pavel (Rocky) Bureš from the band 5 April joined Clou’s lineup. That same year they released their third album titled For Tonight.
The band's final record, Old Dogs New Tricks, was issued in 2012 before they officially disbanded two years later.
Band members
- Lukáš "Lukemo" Vyhnal – lead vocals
- Petr "Petrock" Vaško – guitar
- Radek "Rae" Tomášek Jr. – drums
- Hubert "Hube" Topinka – guitar
- Brian B. (Bugsy) – bass guitar
- Pavel "Rocky" Bureš – guitar
- Štěpán "Steph" Farkaš – bass guitar
Discography
Studio albums
- Postcards (2005)
- Clou (2007)
- For Tonight (2008)
- Old Dogs New Tricks (2012)
EPs
- First (2004)
Soundtrack contributions
- Prachy dělaj člověka OST (2006)