Released amidst the quiet whispers of February’s end, “Restless Things” emerges as Cloudbelly’s hauntingly beautiful prelude to their much-anticipated LP, i know i know i know. This track, crafted in the dimly lit corridors of creativity by the Western Massachusetts-based indie folk ensemble, stands as a testament to the band’s adeptness at weaving intricate narratives of love, loss, and the nuanced spaces in between.
“Restless Things” presents itself as a meticulously crafted mosaic of emotions, where each piece reflects a fragment of a love story’s arc—from its hopeful inception to its inevitable, poignant denouement. Cloudbelly, known for their cinematic soundscapes and ethereal vocal deliveries, elevates this track into a realm of its own with a meditative arrangement that crescendos into an anthemic burst of distortion, mirroring the tumultuous journey of introspection and emotional catharsis.
The song’s essence is encapsulated in its wordless vocal hook—a grounding force that anchors the listener amidst the swirling tempest of feelings evoked by Corey Laitman’s poetic lyrics. Laitman, alongside guitarist Sam Perry and drummer Nate Mondschein, delves deep into the collective psyche, guiding us through a labyrinth of memory and longing with a finesse reminiscent of their influences, including boygenius and Mitski.
“Restless Things” not only sets the stage for Cloudbelly’s upcoming album but also promises a sonic journey that intersects the personal with the universal. The band’s ability to flirt with experimentalism while maintaining an emotional core resonates throughout the track, offering a glimpse into the album’s exploration of grief, acceptance, and the redemptive power of music.
As Cloudbelly embarks on their national tour, “Restless Things” stands as a beacon of their evolution and a harbinger of the compelling narratives nestled within i know i know i know. This track, with its lilting poetics and anthemic fervor, invites listeners to surrender to the restless things that dwell within us all, reminding us of the beauty found in the transient nature of love and life itself.
