Cloakroom, the Indiana-based trio known for their unique fusion of shoegaze, stoner rock, and post-hardcore sounds, are back with their new album, Last Leg of the Human Table. Emerging from the industrial landscapes of the Midwest, Cloakroom have consistently crafted soundscapes that resonate with both the grit of their surroundings and the expansiveness of their musical ambitions.
Since their inception, Cloakroom have been on a sonic journey that defies easy categorization. Their debut album, Further Out, introduced listeners to a band unafraid to blend heavy riffs with ethereal melodies, setting the stage for their signature sound. Time Well saw the band delving deeper into expansive compositions, weaving intricate layers that enveloped the listener. With Dissolution Wave (my personal favourite to date), Cloakroom ventured into conceptual territory, presenting a space western narrative that showcased their storytelling prowess alongside their musical evolution.
The band have described the songs on Last Leg of the Human Table as an exploration of “what it means to be human and the high cost of the human experience.” Additionally, a statement released with the album mentions a “teetering social structure” and how “America has lost its soul,” with much of the album feeling like an attempt at connection, trying to regain something that’s been lost.
Let’s drop the needle and see where Cloakroom take us this time.
The album opens with ‘The Pilot,’ a track that immediately propels the listener into this redefined sonic realm. Exploding with energetic guitars and drums, it leads listeners into a stratosphere of wonder and distortion. This is next level Cloakroom, the dynamic false stops, drum fills and screeches of feedback add punctuation to the story they’re telling.
‘Ester Wind’ mixes things up by blending grunge and power-pop elements into a mesh of sonic hooks, pushing its aesthetic to the forefront. The track’s driving tempo and infectious energy make it a standout moment on the album. Cloakroom are really mixing things up and I love how they’re subverting expectations only two songs in.
Serving as a brief interlude, ‘On Joy and Unbelieving’ offers a moment of introspection. Its minimalist arrangement provides a contemplative pause in proceedings.
The album’s first single, ‘Unbelonging,’ features sunny jangle-pop melodies and poignant lyrics, discussing a desire and ache to travel. The track’s upbeat tempo and catchy hooks make it an accessible entry point for new listeners. Typically, the story isn’t that straightforward. Whilst the guitars take a lighter tone the bass steps up with a heavily fuzzed out sound.
‘The Lights Are On’ Brings the heavy riffs back but continue to mix things up with more introspective verses leaving the big notes for the chorus. There’s a guitar motif on here that leaps out the speaker at you. Sounding like a cross between a sitar and synth it totally steals the show.
I wasn’t ready for ‘Bad Larry’. It could easily be a shoegaze take on a 50’s pop song. Is this what you would expect from Cloakroom? No. Is it utterly exhilarating and life affirming. Oh, fuck aye! That chorus melody is so disarming and will make hearts melt. It does this old heart good to hear one of my favourite bands adding more sonic strings to their bow and absolutely nailing it.
Continuing that reinvention of who Cloakroom are ‘Story of the Egg’ offers a unique narrative and musical approach. It’s enigmatic and draws you in with that driving bass that could also be a pulsing synth. Lyrics are delivered in a tight and measured fashion adding to that clipped percussive pattern the other instruments adopt. The snippet of a disco track sneaking in at the end made me smile.
Another brief interlude, ‘On Joy and Undeserving’ serves as a reflective moment, allowing us a moment to catch our breath.
‘Cloverlooper’ infuses post-hardcore energy into the mix, adding a layer of urgency to the album. Its driving rhythm and intense delivery provide a contrast to the more ambient tracks. This track delves into the more recognisable tones and sonic dynamics we’d expect from a Cloakroom track. The dissonant chords and melodic vocal delivery are spot on and in turn deliver us sated into the final track.
Closing the album, ‘Turbine Song’ encapsulates the journey with its blend of potential energy being restrained beneath gentle melody. The bass once more guiding us along with its warmth and abrasiveness. The track’s peaceful conclusion leaves a lasting impression, echoing the album’s themes of searching and resilience.
Last Leg of the Human Table stands as a testament to Cloakroom’s evolution and their willingness to explore new sonic territories. By grounding their music in the tangible struggles of contemporary life, they offer a mirror to reflect on your own experiences. The album’s dynamic range, from explosive openers to introspective interludes, invites a deep and immersive listening experience.
In a world where the ground beneath us often feels unstable, Cloakroom provides a soundtrack that acknowledges the chaos while offering a sense of connection. As we navigate our own paths, Last Leg of the Human Table encourages us to find beauty in the tumult and to seek understanding amidst uncertainty.
Last Leg of the Human Table is out now on Closed Casket Records and is available on a myriad of vinyl options. Head over and give the band a follow on the Cloakroom Bandcamp Page too to get a digital download.
You can follow Cloakroom on social media here……
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