There are very few records that can be described as special from the outset, yet Cloakroom’s debut full length ‘Further Out’ is one of them. Their sound is almost impossible to define, and refuses to be lumped into any genre or trend despite being incorrectly categorised as “shoegaze” in some areas. These are just a few of the reasons that make ‘Further Out’ such a special album, as it takes what Cloakroom have been doing for the past couple of years and ramps it up to the highest possible echelon, delivering everything that anyone who has been anticipating this album wanted. The delays that the album faced due to the intricate recording techniques used by legendary Hum mainman Matt Talbott at his Earth Analog studios only heightened expectations following 2013’s EP ‘Infinity’ and as ‘Further Out’ is finally unveiled, you are drawn into Cloakroom’s own unique universe.
As the textured guitar drones of ‘Paperweight’ kick the album off it pummels your innermost senses, with the sheer size of the tone making it seem impossible that this is a three-piece band you are hearing right now. ‘Outta’ Spite’ is the light to its predecessors shade, with its up tempo rhythms coming as close to space-rock pioneers Hum and Failure as you want it too while managing to stay unconditionally original. The dreary beauty of ‘Lossed Over’ courses through your veins as the drums careen through a hail of monolithic riffs before fading into a serene instrumental interlude.
With any modern music now we find ourselves sanitised by digital techniques, which often lead to us taking the warmth that recorded music can give for granted. The reel-to-reel analog recording of ‘Further Out’ brings out subtle nuances that could easily go unnoticed on any given day. It may be the echo of a snare hit, or a deeper bass note that could have been lost in the mix, but all of these touches add to the other worldly sound of Cloakroom that has been captured with precision by Talbott. ‘Starchild Skull’ is a prime example where the recording has brought the songs to life, as front man Doyle Martin croons “It Takes Courage Falling So Far” over heavily distorted guitars while never being sharp on the ear. Cloakroom are also at their angular best when they delve into bizarre time signatures, particularly on the aptly named ‘Asymmetrical’, which is utterly disjointed yet completely blissful. The album then simmers down with ‘Clean Moon’, which segues into the colossal ‘Deep Sea Station’ that is drawn out for a near-seven minutes of ambience that has more in common with post-metal titans Isis than any shoegaze band.
From start to finish, ‘Further Out’ is not so much an album as it is an ethereal journey that flits between sparse fragility and earth-shattering intensity, laced with emotion from not just the lyrics but the sound and feel of all three members and their chosen instruments. Although not an easy album to digest at first, it is an intriguing listen that when fully invested in, becomes an experience unlike any other you will hear this year.
GLEN BUSHELL