"BABYS IN A THUNDERCLOUD" is a track by the Canadian post-rock collective Godspeed You! Black Emperor, released on October 4, 2024, as part of their album “NO TITLE AS OF 13 FEBRUARY 2024 28,340 DEAD”419. The song is credited to the full band, with contributions from all core members: Aidan Girt, David Bryant, Efrim Manuel Menuck, Mauro Pezzente, Michael Moya, Sophie Trudeau, Thierry Amar, and Timothy Herzog20.
Musical and Emotional Character:
- The piece is described as a slow, eerie, and emotionally charged soundscape, building a sense of emptiness and searching for meaning amid chaos1.
- It is notable for its haunting instrumentation and dynamic shifts, with the music evolving from desolate drone and ambient textures to more urgent, rousing passages39.
- The track runs approximately 13 and a half minutes12, typical of the band's expansive, cinematic style.
Context and Reception:
- The album and its tracks, including "BABYS IN A THUNDERCLOUD," are widely interpreted as responses to contemporary global crises, especially the devastation in Gaza, with the music evoking images of flattened, unlivable landscapes and collective despair3.
- The title’s unusual spelling (“BABYS” instead of “BABIES”) has sparked discussion among fans, but no official explanation has been provided6.
- The song has become a standout in live performances, first played in February 2024 and featured regularly in the band’s 2024 and 2025 tours11.
Personnel:
| Name | Instrument(s) |
|---|---|
| Aidan Girt | Drums |
| Timothy Herzog | Drums, Glockenspiel |
| David Bryant | Electric Guitar, Tape Loops |
| Efrim Menuck | Electric Guitar, Tape Loops |
| Michael Moya | Electric Guitar |
| Mauro Pezzente | Electric Bass |
| Thierry Amar | Electric & Upright Bass |
| Sophie Trudeau | Violin, Organ |
| Karl Lemieux, Philippe Léonard | 16mm Projections |
Production:
- Recorded at Hotel2Tango in Montreal during the winter of 2024.
- Engineered and mixed by Jace Lasek, mastered by Harris Newman13.
Live and Streaming Availability:
- The track is available on major streaming platforms, including Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud47101216.
- It is a centerpiece in the band’s current live set, often paired with visual projections15.
Critical and Fan Response:
- "BABYS IN A THUNDERCLOUD" is frequently cited as a highlight of the new album, praised for its emotional depth and the way it encapsulates the band’s signature blend of despair and hope13.
Summary Table:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | October 4, 2024 |
| Album | NO TITLE AS OF 13 FEBRUARY 2024 28,340 DEAD |
| Length | 13:36 |
| Style | Post-rock, drone, ambient |
| Themes | Chaos, despair, hope, global crisis |
| Notable Features | Haunting instrumentation, dynamic shifts, emotional impact |
| Live Debut | February 24, 2024, Knockdown Center, Queens, NY |
| Streaming | Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud |
If you need a deeper analysis of the musical structure or thematic content, or want to discuss its place within the band's discography, let me know.
