The Clouds' music is distinguished by rapid and unusual chord changes, creative bass guitar, and Phillis and Young's vocal harmonies.

The Clouds were one of Australia's most promising acts[citation needed] in the late 1980s and early 1990s, along with other up-and-comers like Ratcat, Falling Joys, Tall Tales and True and The Hummingbirds.

[citation needed] Following the signing with Elektra Records Thunderhead was released in the United States in March 1995 along with numerous promotional singles.

Despite this setback, recording of new songs continued and two singles were released in 1995, "Aquamarine" and "Panel Van" in August and November 1995, respectively.

[citation needed] In May 1996, Red Eye Records released a re-released Penny Century which included a limited edition bonus CD of early songs called Pre-Raphaelite.

[citation needed] In November 1996, the band released their fourth studio album Futura which peaked at number 50 on the ARIA chart.

Phillis went on to form The Dearhunters and Roger Loves Betty, and also records and performs as a solo artist.

[citation needed] In late 2005, Phillis and Young resurfaced under the name The Girls from the Clouds, releasing a 5-track EP titled Lalalala.