Whirr Your Head Off: Whirr and Cloakroom at Strange Matter

October 10, 2014
Posted in Music
10 Oct 2014
Music 119 Comments
October 10, 2014 inkmagazine

Whirr Your Head Off: Whirr and Cloakroom at Strange Matter

By Alex Curran, guest columnist

Photo by Ryan McLain

There is an entire mythos behind the sonic power of shoegaze bands, whether it’s My Bloody Valentine’s ability to make people enter a trance-like state through continuously playing as loud as they possibly can, or the rumor that Whirr has the ability to make audience members physically sick and throw up. While these stories are often sensationalist, and in my past I’ve been disappointed by false rumors of other notoriously loud bands like Slayer and Deafheaven, Whirr’s performance at Strange Matter on September 13th shows that the band holds true to whatever people manage to see about them. It’s not a gimmick, but rather an honest reflection on the band.

Virginia Beach’s Keep was the first band on the show’s lineup. Despite being rookies to the scene, they delivered a strong performance. Their set was reminiscent of 90s-influenced bands, evoking Title Fight and Daylight but the use of atmospheric guitar elements gave it a shoegaze edge. While their set ran only about 15 minutes, it was promising and it will be interesting to see how they grow and develop in both the Virginia Beach and Richmond scenes.

Next came Richmond locals The Snowy Owls. Maybe it was just due to the young age of Keep’s members before them, but watching The Snowy Owls come on stage I fully expected them to bust out Wilco covers, wearing flannel shirts and relaxed denim; dad rock-ish to say the least. I was pleasantly surprised with their first song, which sounded like The Cure with tinges of Siamese Dream-era Smashing Pumpkins fuzziness. Their set continued in that vein, but with post-punk moments that resembled early Interpol. The last two songs of their set were their strongest, with a cover of The Cure’s “Lovesong” – clearly embracing their influences, and a loud, fuzzy all-out original that sounded like it could’ve been a My Bloody Valentine b-side to close it out.

At this point, the show moved past local openers and to the first touring band of the night, with Indiana three-piece Cloakroom. Known for their stoner-rock influenced brand of emo, Cloakroom that sounds like Pedro the Lion if they had been listening to Neurosis. Musically, the band delivered in full force for their entire set, with tight, focused instrumentation as they moved from song to song with little interruption. Lead singer and guitarist Doyle’s vocal performance I found lacking at first, seeming uninspired or maybe just nervous, but improved as the set went on. Cloakroom’s use of recorded samples between songs allowed them to break up the set in an interesting way. By the time Cloakroom finished their set, it was clear that they are a band who has a strong command on how to engage an audience even when the musical material can be long and challenging for listeners.

20 minutes later the stage went black, with lights strewn across amplifiers. Whirr had little to say when they went on stage; it was clear that their sole intention was to play a skull-rattlingly loud shoegaze set. Opening with Mumble, the first single off their new record Sway, out on September 23rd on Graveface Records, the band capitvated the entire audience that filled the sold out Strange Matter. They continued through their set playing songs off of their new record and 2011’s Distressor, while almost entirely avoiding material off of 2013’s Pipe Dream. I had heard rumors about the sheer volume of a Whirr show, that they were able to make audience members puke and while I was skeptical, I can fully admit that the rumors are close to true. By this point they had reached the loudest volume I’ve ever heard from a band, contrasting with how little they spoke during their set. They ended out their set abruptly with the track Leave, which flows between verse and chorus ethereally in a typical shoegaze fashion, before walking off stage and parting through the crowd. The audience seemed confused by the band finishing without any warning or acknowledgement of the audience. While this kind of attitude that Whirr displayed at the show is one that they receive criticism as being rude and unkind to fans for, I saw it as a sign of humility and honesty. Whirr knows that all they were there for was to deliver a strong set, not to have witty stage banter or some inspiring speech, so they did so. Whirr grabbed onto the audience, pulled them in, and let go before they could lose anyone.

After the Whirr show, my ears rang for two days and I felt like I had a hangover despite not drinking at all that night. I’m disappointed it didn’t make me throw up like I was told it would, but Whirr’s performance is a testament to them being a band that plays entirely by their own rules. They see no need to compromise on what they want or to comfort fans and audience members at any level, something that is truly inspiring and holds close to the shoegaze ethos.

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Comments (119)

  6. article

    I just want to say I am beginner to weblog and really loved your blog. Almost certainly I’m want to bookmark your blog post . You surely come with beneficial article content. Thank you for revealing your website page.

  7. poker online

    I have recently started a website, the info you provide on this website has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work. “Patriotism is often an arbitrary veneration of real estate above principles.” by George Jean Nathan.

  8. Swing set assembly

    Simply desire to say your article is as amazing. The clearness in your post is simply spectacular and i could assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the rewarding work.

  9. Metroclick

    MetroClick specializes in building completely interactive products like Photo Booth for rental or sale, Touch Screen Kiosks, Large Touch Screen Displays , Monitors, Digital Signages and experiences. With our own hardware production facility and in-house software development teams, we are able to achieve the highest level of customization and versatility for Photo Booths, Touch Screen Kiosks, Touch Screen Monitors and Digital Signage. Visit MetroClick in NYC at http://www.metroclick.com/ or , 121 Varick St, New York, NY 10013, +1 646-843-0888

  10. Schlüsseldienst München

    Excellent beat ! I wish to apprentice at the same time as you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a blog website? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I have been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered vivid transparent idea

  12. Silver spring hair salon

    excellent post, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector do not notice this. You must continue your writing. I’m confident, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!

  13. Sapid Agency NYC Company

    Sapid Agency is a Search Engine Optimization company in New York City that provides SEO Services. Their proprietary SEO strategies help struggling websites and aspiring business owners to rank their websites higher in multiple search engines like Google , Yahoo and Bing. They provide local and gmb map ranking for businesses in NYC and many other local areas. Find more at https://www.sapidagency.com/ @ 145 E 57TH NEW YORK, NY 10022, USA, +1 971 341 5608 USA

  14. สมัครคาสิโน

    obviously like your web site but you have to test the spelling on quite a few of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to inform the truth however I’ll surely come back again.

  17. DC furniture assembly

    Wow! This could be one particular of the most helpful blogs We have ever arrive across on this subject. Actually Excellent. I am also a specialist in this topic so I can understand your effort.

  18. Eddy Kleinsasser

    Just wish to say your article is as surprising. The clearness for your post is simply spectacular and that i can suppose you are knowledgeable in this subject. Well together with your permission allow me to take hold of your feed to keep updated with imminent post. Thanks one million and please continue the rewarding work.

  19. Faytech North America

    Faytech North America is a touch screen Manufacturer of both monitors and pcs. They specialize in the design, development, manufacturing and marketing of Capacitive touch screen, Resistive touch screen, Industrial touch screen, IP65 touch screen, touchscreen monitors and integrated touchscreen PCs. Contact them at http://www.faytech.us, 121 Varick Street, New York, NY 10013, +1 646 205 3214

  21. Music industry

    Wow! This could be one particular of the most useful blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Excellent. I am also an expert in this topic so I can understand your hard work.

  23. The park at 14th

    Nice blog right here! Additionally your site loads up fast! What host are you the usage of? Can I get your associate hyperlink for your host? I wish my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol

  24. Sapid Agency

    Sapid Agency is a Search Engine Optimization company in New York City that provides SEO Services. Their proprietary SEO strategies help struggling websites and aspiring business owners to rank their websites higher in multiple search engines like Google , Yahoo and Bing. They provide local and gmb map ranking for businesses in NYC and many other local areas. Find more at https://www.sapidagency.com/ @ 145 E 57TH NEW YORK, NY 10022, USA, +1 971 341 5608 USA

  25. colorado drone

    Simply wish to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness on your publish is just nice and i could suppose you’re knowledgeable on this subject. Well along with your permission let me to snatch your RSS feed to keep updated with imminent post. Thanks a million and please keep up the rewarding work.

  28. Porn

    I am really enjoying the theme/design of your website. Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility problems? A few of my blog audience have complained about my site not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Opera. Do you have any ideas to help fix this issue?

  29. dedicated vps

    Pretty portion of content. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your weblog posts. Any way I will be subscribing for your augment and even I success you get right of entry to persistently rapidly.

  31. DMV Happy hour

    Thank you, I have recently been searching for info approximately this subject for ages and yours is the best I have found out till now. But, what concerning the bottom line? Are you sure concerning the source?

  32. DC Movers

    My brother suggested I would possibly like this web site. He was entirely right. This post actually made my day. You can not believe simply how a lot time I had spent for this information! Thanks!

  36. migos songs

    Thanks for the post. My spouse and i have always observed that almost all people are desperate to lose weight because they wish to appear slim as well as attractive. Nevertheless, they do not often realize that there are other benefits so that you can losing weight as well. Doctors assert that fat people come across a variety of conditions that can be directly attributed to their excess weight. The great news is that people who are overweight plus suffering from several diseases can reduce the severity of their particular illnesses through losing weight. You’ll be able to see a steady but noticeable improvement with health when even a small amount of weight loss is attained.

  38. gay porn

    I do agree with all the ideas you have introduced to your post. They are really convincing and can definitely work. Nonetheless, the posts are very short for novices. Could you please prolong them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.

  40. dotafrog

    I’ve recently started a web site, the info you offer on this website has helped me tremendously. Thanks for all of your time & work. “Character is much easier kept than recovered.” by Thomas Paine.

  41. DC office movers

    I have fun with, cause I discovered exactly what I was looking for. You have ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye

  43. Bed assembly service

    In these days of austerity plus relative stress and anxiety about incurring debt, lots of people balk contrary to the idea of having a credit card in order to make purchase of merchandise or even pay for any occasion, preferring, instead to rely on the tried as well as trusted technique of making payment – cash. However, if you possess cash available to make the purchase in whole, then, paradoxically, that is the best time to be able to use the credit cards for several reasons.

  44. Buy Phone Battery Online

    Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had to tell someone!

  45. Silver spring Movers

    Thanks for expressing your ideas. Another thing is that college students have an option between federal student loan along with a private student loan where it is easier to go for student loan online debt consolidation than with the federal education loan.

  48. https://cashdomino88.com/

    Thank you for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do some research on this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more from this post. I am very glad to see such wonderful information being shared freely out there.

  49. betgram

    Really Appreciate this article, can you make it so I receive an alert email when you write a new article?

  50. mobil bahis tv

    Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.

  52. buy weed in eu

    It’s really a great and helpful piece of information. I am satisfied that you simply shared this useful info with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

  53. Jodhpur escorts service

    Howdy! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on. You have done a outstanding job!

  54. soccer streams

    Hello there, I discovered your web site via Google even as searching for a related matter, your site came up, it appears good. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

  55. Mountain Bikes

    Whats Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely useful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & help other users like its helped me. Great job.

  56. oral cream cialis

    Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to mention that I have truly enjoyed surfing around your weblog posts. In any case I will be subscribing for your rss feed and I hope you write once more very soon!

  57. lStellenbosch ladyboy

    Nice read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing some research on that. And he just bought me lunch because I found it for him smile Therefore let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!

  58. Office furniture removal

    Excellent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea

  59. DC office cubicle removal

    What’s Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It absolutely helpful and it has aided me out loads. I am hoping to contribute & help different customers like its aided me. Good job.

  61. best resumes

    It’s actually a great and useful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this useful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

  62. online Courses

    Heya i am for the primary time here. I found this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out a lot. I’m hoping to give something again and help others such as you helped me.

  63. Sony Xperia L4 Price In USA

    Thanks for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research about this. We got a grab a book from our local library but I think I learned more from this post. I am very glad to see such magnificent info being shared freely out there.

  65. Prints on Metal

    Thanks for discussing your ideas. One thing is that college students have an alternative between national student loan and also a private student loan where it really is easier to choose student loan online debt consolidation than in the federal student loan.

  66. dactrisuimaoga.com

    I’ve recently started a blog, the info you provide on this site has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work. “The very ink with which history is written is merely fluid prejudice.” by Mark Twain.

  67. adcada

    Awesome website you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of any community forums that cover the same topics discussed in this article? I’d really like to be a part of group where I can get responses from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Thanks a lot!

  68. Messi Song

    An interesting dialogue is value comment. I think that it’s best to write extra on this matter, it might not be a taboo subject however typically persons are not enough to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  69. inspiring

    I like what you guys are up too. Such clever work and reporting! Carry on the excellent works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my website :).

  70. Dimple Frankowski

    Aw, this was a really nice post. In thought I would like to put in writing like this moreover – taking time and precise effort to make an excellent article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and certainly not seem to get one thing done.

  71. her response

    Hello there! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My web site looks weird when viewing from my apple iphone. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to correct this issue. If you have any recommendations, please share. Many thanks!

  72. Jordan Stevano

    It’s hard to find educated people on this topic, however you sound like you recognize what you’re speaking about! Thanks

  73. what is google admob all about

    I’ve recently started a web site, the information you provide on this website has helped me greatly. Thank you for all of your time & work. “The man who fights for his fellow-man is a better man than the one who fights for himself.” by Clarence Darrow.

  74. best dj mixes from best DJs

    Hola! I’ve been following your web site for a long time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Porter Texas! Just wanted to mention keep up the excellent work!

  75. Payday loans

    Great ¡V I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and related info ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Excellent task..

  76. moodle udes

    Wow! Thank you! I always wanted to write on my site something like that. Can I implement a portion of your post to my site?

  77. Misa Robotics

    You can certainly see your expertise within the paintings you write. The arena hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. At all times follow your heart.

  79. รับจัดเลี้ยงบุฟเฟ่ต์

    I was wondering if you ever considered changing the structure of your site? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or 2 images. Maybe you could space it out better?

  80. แต่งงาน

    whoah this weblog is magnificent i like reading your posts. Keep up the great paintings! You recognize, many persons are hunting round for this information, you can aid them greatly.

  81. QuickBooks desktop support

    I have learn some excellent stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how so much attempt you put to create this type of wonderful informative web site.

  82. instagram takipçi satýn al

    Thanks for your write-up on the travel industry. I would also like to add that if you are a senior contemplating traveling, it really is absolutely imperative that you buy travel cover for senior citizens. When traveling, golden-agers are at greatest risk of getting a healthcare emergency. Buying the right insurance coverage package on your age group can protect your health and give you peace of mind.

  83. twitter takipçi satin al

    Thanks for your post on the vacation industry. I would also like contribute that if your senior taking into consideration traveling, it is absolutely important to buy traveling insurance for senior citizens. When traveling, older persons are at high risk of having a health care emergency. Receiving the right insurance cover package for one’s age group can safeguard your health and give you peace of mind.

  84. cohiba siglo vi

    What i do not realize is in fact how you’re now not actually a lot more neatly-liked than you might be now. You are very intelligent. You realize therefore considerably relating to this subject, produced me personally imagine it from so many numerous angles. Its like women and men are not fascinated except it is something to accomplish with Girl gaga! Your personal stuffs great. All the time care for it up!

  86. Embed AMP stories on websites

    Simply desire to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness in your post is just excellent and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject. Well with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the rewarding work.

  87. como ganhar na lotofacil sempre

    como ganhar na lotofacil, acertar na lotofacil, ganhar na lotofacil, como ganhar na lotofacil de verdade, como ganhar na lotofacil sempre, como ganhar na lotofacil 2020, como ganhar na lotofacil 100 garantido, dicas lotofacil, como acertar na lotofacil, dicas para ganhar na lotofacil

  88. icas lotofacil

    como ganhar na lotofacil, acertar na lotofacil, ganhar na lotofacil, como ganhar na lotofacil de verdade, como ganhar na lotofacil sempre, como ganhar na lotofacil 2020, como ganhar na lotofacil 100 garantido, dicas lotofacil, como acertar na lotofacil, dicas para ganhar na lotofacil

  89. Financial Planner

    Just want to say your article is as astounding. The clarity in your publish is simply spectacular and that i can assume you are an expert in this subject. Well along with your permission allow me to grab your feed to stay updated with drawing close post. Thanks one million and please continue the rewarding work.

  90. The Inspiring Show

    Hello, you used to write great, but the last several posts have been kinda boring¡K I miss your tremendous writings. Past several posts are just a little bit out of track! come on!

  91. judi slot terbaru

    Heya i am for the primary time here. I came across this board and I in finding It truly useful & it helped me out much. I hope to provide something again and aid others such as you aided me.

  92. Beauty

    I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great. I don’t know who you are but definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you are not already ;) Cheers!

  93. viagra

    hello!,I love your writing very a lot! proportion we keep up a correspondence more approximately your post on AOL? I need an expert on this space to resolve my problem. Maybe that is you! Having a look forward to see you.

  94. make money online verified

    Usually I don’t learn article on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very compelled me to check out and do so! Your writing taste has been surprised me. Thanks, quite nice post.

  95. Handy: 0179-3833954

    I’ve recently started a blog, the information you provide on this site has helped me tremendously. Thanks for all of your time & work. “Yield not to evils, but attack all the more boldly.” by Virgil.

  96. limousinenservice gelsenkirchen

    Awesome blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog shine. Please let me know where you got your theme. Bless you

  97. Kids coding Jacksonville

    I definitely wanted to write down a brief comment so as to appreciate you for all of the great solutions you are giving out at this website. My time-consuming internet investigation has finally been paid with reliable facts and techniques to talk about with my neighbours. I ‘d state that that many of us readers actually are very much endowed to exist in a remarkable community with very many marvellous professionals with very helpful hints. I feel rather fortunate to have encountered the website and look forward to tons of more brilliant moments reading here. Thanks a lot once again for everything.

  98. Best CBD Oil

    Generally I don’t learn post on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very compelled me to try and do so! Your writing taste has been surprised me. Thank you, very great post.

  99. Slam Entertainment Spotify Playlist

    Hi, Neat post. There is a problem with your site in internet explorer, might test this… IE nonetheless is the marketplace chief and a good portion of other people will miss your excellent writing due to this problem.

  100. Marcasite Jewelry

    Also I believe that mesothelioma is a scarce form of most cancers that is often found in individuals previously exposed to asbestos. Cancerous cells form from the mesothelium, which is a safety lining that covers almost all of the body’s bodily organs. These cells typically form inside the lining of the lungs, stomach, or the sac that encircles the heart. Thanks for giving your ideas.

  101. sterling silver jewelry

    I just couldn’t go away your site prior to suggesting that I actually loved the usual information a person supply to your visitors? Is gonna be again continuously in order to inspect new posts.

  102. dachy plaskie

    My partner and I stumbled over here different website and thought I may as well check things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you. Look forward to looking into your web page repeatedly.

  103. cheap levitra

    You could definitely see your expertise within the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. At all times go after your heart.

  105. Tree Service

    I have discovered that charges for online degree authorities tend to be an awesome value. For example a full 4-year college Degree in Communication with the University of Phoenix Online consists of 60 credits with $515/credit or $30,900. Also American Intercontinental University Online provides a Bachelors of Business Administration with a total study course element of 180 units and a tariff of $30,560. Online learning has made getting the diploma so much easier because you can easily earn the degree through the comfort of your house and when you finish from office. Thanks for all your other tips I have learned through your website.

  106. paper bag koozie

    You could certainly see your enthusiasm within the paintings you write. The sector hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. All the time go after your heart.

  107. dreams dictionary

    Great post but I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this topic? I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Thank you!

  108. 엠 카지노

    I have been checking out many of your stories and it’s pretty nice stuff. I will make sure to bookmark your blog.

  111. John Deere Repair Manuals

    Have you ever considered about contributing on additional web-sites? may well some great content right here and I’m positive you could share a fantastic deal more if you wrote some content throughout other web sites. You’ll discover a great deal of associated web sites to check out. Only one thing to think about. I’m glad I know about it at least.

  112. W88ok

    Hi there, You have done an incredible job. I will definitely digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I am confident they’ll be benefited from this site.

  115. บาคาร่า เว็บไหนดี pantip

    I’m really enjoying the theme/design of your website. Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility issues? A handful of my blog audience have complained about my blog not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Opera. Do you have any recommendations to help fix this problem?

  116. รู เล็ ต ทุน น้อย

    Hey there! Someone in my Myspace group shared this site with us so I came to check it out. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Exceptional blog and terrific style and design.

  117. Ray Thramer

    Excellent blog you have here.. It’s hard to find good quality writing like yours nowadays. I seriously appreciate people like you! Take care!!

  119. Jung Bleile

    Needed to post you the little bit of note to be able to give thanks once again over the pleasing advice you’ve contributed on this page. This is really wonderfully open-handed with people like you in giving without restraint what some people would have sold as an e book to end up making some bucks for themselves, particularly now that you might have tried it if you wanted. The ideas also served to provide a good way to understand that most people have the same passion like my own to know the truth more on the topic of this matter. Certainly there are some more pleasant times ahead for individuals that view your site.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.