Portland – Emo was alive and well at Mississippi Studios on Thursday night when they hosted midwest powerhouse, Cloakroom. The trio’s commanding almost-explosive techniques were highlighted by the venue’s immense sound. Cloakroom’s live show solidified that every musical element is imperative to their heavy, carefully constructed “stoner emo.” Cloakroom is not a part of the banal copycat emo that the genre has often been mistaken for; the band’s talent as musicians proves that emo is, in fact, a genre that has been continually and shockingly overlooked. Being an audience member at one Cloakroom show is enough to change perspectives.
Cloakroom is comprised of three former factory workers from Indiana. Their distorted, sludgy sound is made possible by Brian Busch’s rhythmic assailed the drums, Bobby Markos’ multi-pedaled blaring bass and Doyle Martin’s subdued guitar and slow, gripping vocals. The three-piece formed in 2012 and released their first full-length, Further Out, in January of this year. Cloakroom is no stranger to the scene though, Martin was formerly the front man of the pop-punk outfit Grown-ups and Markos played bass for Native. Although it is common to see bands in the hardcore/emo scene play in multiple acts, here’s hoping that Cloakroom is the band that ultimately sticks around.
Cloakroom’s show brought out Portland’s tatted and plaid-clad army. The crowd seemed to keep to themselves, but fans of the scene that the Run For Cover signed act is a part of are nothing short of dedicated. It was clear from the beginning of the show that audience members were invested, as was the band. The set included a healthy blend of songs from their earlier release, Infinity, as well as Further Out. Their sound has evolved somewhat, but the key elements are the same, and that is: emo in its most excellent form. “Bending” was familiar to the crowd and was welcomed with enthusiasm, while “Deep Sea Station” focused on a powerful new sound.
It is actually astounding to see what Cloakroom does when they are on stage, for it seems seamless for them. Markos plays bass as a lead, with so much talent as well as passion, that as an audience member you can’t take your eyes off him. As for Busch, he himself is not a factory worker but a part of the machine when he takes the drums. Throughout the heavy set, Busch was always on, beating the drums as if they were a set of toys, all while perfectly contributing to background vocals. Martin is the quintessential emo front man, lanky and clad in vintage glasses and a yellow t-shirt, but almost snarling as he sang the emotion-ridden lyrics.
Cloakroom’s live show really was a marvel. The emo genre is one that the public often forgets is still churning out bands and material that is far from what the genre used to be. Contemporary emo is stunning in its simplicity, without pretension or distractions, just a genuine love for music. Cloakroom is a band keeping that idea alive.
Cloakroom is currently touring in the US. Track their tour dates here.
Dakota Smith
Follow her on twitter in case she says something funny: @LikeTheStates
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