Cloakroom Q – Substance (2025)
Despite my hearing of Cloakroom Q a few months ago, the Northern Irish group have been about for almost a decade. While their discography (or at least according to Bandcamp) hails back to 2018, Cloakroom Q was technically formed in 2016 when a bunch of talented musicians came together to create some melodies. The band might be considered as part of the art-rock scene; however, they are not to be pigeonholed. Delving into different varieties of rock, Conall Coulter, Dan Monaghan, Daniel Havern, and Jared Green have a kaleidoscopic sound that easily explains its overall appeal. The latest addition to Cloakroom Q’s discography is the single ‘Substance’.
Following the well-received 2024 single ‘Nail In Your Head’, Cloakroom Q saunters into 2025 with ‘Substance’. Produced with Darragh Tibbs, ‘Substance’ shifts from the heavier, more pulsating post-punk meets indie-rock sound of ‘Nail In Your Head’ to a softer, soothing, gentle rock ballad. Blending elements of alternative rock with indie-rock, and even a hint of soulful jazz lingering in the background, Cloakroom Q offer quaint obscurity within their eclectic soundscape.
One aspect I find intriguing about ‘Substance’ is its duality. Sprinkling his magical production fairy dust over the track, Tibbs gives it an elegant and mature sheen; however, the simplistic sound breathes a kaleidoscopic rawness brimming from the barebones execution. Stark and brash, ‘Substance’ is a “lay it all on the line” melody – then again, enter duality. Abrupt and haunting, but with a lingering sense of sincerity and warmth, Cloakroom Q holds your hand as you navigate a whirlpool of weighty poignancy.
For me, listening to ‘Substance’ is not merely hearing a song, it is a vivid immersion into a song with palpable despair and tension. ‘Substance’ is the second single from Cloakroom Q’s upcoming album, and I cannot wait for that album to drop. Highly recommended!
Find out more about Cloakroom Q on their Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp and Spotify.
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