CLONE, a band comprised of LG Galleon, Gregg Giuffre, and Paul Liziragga, operates within a rapidly diminishing model of collaboration. With roots in the Brooklyn music scene through bands like DEAD LEAF ECHO, NAMESAKE, and PILOT TO GUNNER, they began performing live in 2019, building their audience organically. Their debut LP, “CL.1,” marks their third release, recorded and mixed by the legendary Martin Bisi at BC Studios.
The album embodies a raw and energetic punk ethos, reflective of the socio-political turbulence at the end of Trump’s first term.
“We had been rehearsing and writing the material all thru the very end of Trump’s first term. Starting the band right before COVID hit. The songs here reflect a distrust for the rich and their entitlements. Taking a leering look down on class systems via politicized punk rock always seems appropriate,” said LG.
He added that they had no idea the first day of recording would coincide with the election results.
The band rehearsed in Bushwick but traveled 30 minutes to Gowanus for studio sessions. On the first day of tracking, the streets were alive with excitement from the election outcome, turning celebrations into small parades and chants of victory.
LG recounted how the exhilaration from the election results bled into their studio work, with high emotions and a sense of release fueling their creativity. Despite the sense of a pyrrhic victory, the intense feelings of the moment translated into their music.
COVID and other life events eventually led to two original members leaving New York, but the significance of that Election Day remains etched in their memory. Now, as the material is being released, those fierce feelings of retribution are resurfacing with the approach of the next election cycle.
“CL.1” delves into themes of economic disparity, political disillusionment, and societal decay.
We asked the band to expound on its themes through a special track by track commentary and here’s what we’ve got.
“Room of Tears” is about a rich kid at his parents funeral.
“Immutable” the story of the 99% and how the 1% take it all from the masses.
This song is about us. The 99% that is working to keep it all moving forward. The history of the poor has never truly been told.
“Dazzler” the story of a sex worker, her pimp and her john all metting together for one disastrous ending.
“Dividing Line” is a song about Donald Trump attempting to start a class war.
“This is song is called the “Donnie” song. Yes it’s about Donald Trump. It’s when our former failed leader tried to incite a race riot during the Pandemic.
The chorus goes “Get up, cause Donnie wants to start a fire, get up cause Donnie wants to start a riot, start a fire fire fire fire fire fire fight.
“Still Life” is about a forlorn love gone wrong and the depths an obsessive will go to see another person.
“Salt, Sea, Strain” is about dying on the beach and the last moments of consciousness before it’s all over.
“Redeemer” is about cult leaders and the “cult” of personally surrounded politicians and celebrities. Like the smiling face on your television, it only takes a viral face to dictate policy to the people.
Whether it’s Donald Trump paying homage to Hannibal Lecture or Eric Adams telling immigrants to become lifeguards because he thinks they’re good swimmers. Even the lowest level of intelligence can enthrall and convince the public with ridiculous statements.
It’s also about convincing yourself that betrayal can be used as a form of trust. Religious groups always need a scapegoat that has failed them to rely on to strengthen beliefs within their core”
“Insides” is a warning to the youth of today.
“Triage” is about a possible impending global war.
“Resurrection” is both a statement and testament to cycles.
