There are a lot of questions surrounding the Chicago region’s Cloakroom, but their recently released songs are unquestionably among the best I’ve heard all year.  Cloakroom is a three-piece composed of Doyle Martin (formerly of Grown Ups and Lion of the North), Bobby Markos (Native, SAOTW), and Brian (whose last name escapes internet search scrutiny).  The songs, released under the title “∞,” present a departure from the group’s earlier efforts, in which a crunching, mechanical rhythm section is drenched in the haunted melodies of Martin’s guitar and voice.  Through the songs, Martin’s guitar weaves and crafts melodies while the bass and drums carry the songs with hulking, driving precision.  Moments of the songs capture the spirit of older acts, such as the shimmering and powerful “wall of sound” elements from songs on My Bloody Valentine’s “Loveless” and the overall drawn-out weightiness of Codeine.  Martin’s vocals are deep and baleful through the songs – immediately reminding me of Morrissey. You can currently find Cloakroom’s “∞” on Bandcamp  and find out more about Cloakroom at their Blogspot.  Previously, more songs from “∞” had been offered on their Bandcamp but for unknown reasons those additional songs were redacted.

AltarTV released a video of the first Into It Over It full-band show in Cleveland, Ohio (at Now That’s Class). Along with some songs is an interview with Evan, which you can see after the jump.

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Looking for a hobby? Need something to do over the holiday break? Write for FTR! We need people to write reviews, interviews, and news bits. Drop us a message in our ask box if you’re interested.

Steve Poponi (Up Up Down Down…, Gradwell House Studio) has released two songs from his new project, Exploded Drawings. Click “Read More” to stream the songs and read more about the band.

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Check out a new song/live video from Native’s upcoming album. Click “Read More” to watch “Books On Tape”.

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Texas Is The Reason is streaming one of the last songs they ever wrote, which until now has been unreleased. Stream the song, via Rolling Stone, after the jump.

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You can stream Comadre’s new song, Summercide, via Alternative Press, now. Click “Read More” to stream the song and pre-order the new album.

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It’s nearing an end to 2012 and just like everyone else, we have an end of year list to share. Check it out, reblog it, add to it, whatever you want.

Braid and Balance and Composure will be releasing a split 7” via No Sleep Records. Preorders are up now! (Pre-order the exclusive dark maroon 7” vinyl color from Braid here: http://www.indiemerch.com/braid)

Jamie Woolford (of The Stereo, Animal Chin, and Let Go) has released a new song from his upcoming solo record, out in 2013. Stream the track, via AP.net, here.

Keith from Empire! Empire! / CYLS Records recently had his guitar broken, twice, by American Airlines while going to and from their recent UK tour. Read what Keith has to say by clicking “Read More”.

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You can now stream the new full length from Regents via Brooklyn Vegan. Click “Read More” to stream the full length, Antietam After Party.

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After the breakup of Daytrader, leader singer Tym has formed a new band with illustrator/musician Daniel Danger (A City Safe From Sea, Hue Of Two) called Some Stranger. The band is currently in the studio, already recording songs.

Click “Read More” for a studio teaser video, some photos, and a few words from the band.

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My Process is a new interview series we’ll be doing where we interview people who work in the music industry, but not as musicians. These will be artists, tour managers, label owners, and other various career paths that don’t get hyped as much as they should. 

This interview is with Charlie Wagers, a photographer and illustrator who has done work for Me Without You, Gifts From Enola, Anberlin, Toddland, Lomography, and many more.

Click “Read More” to read the interview and check out some of his work.

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