Liverpool post-punk veterans The Room return with “Things Have Learnt to Walk That Ought to Crawl”, a powerful reworking of one of their earlier compositions. Originally released in 1982, the song has been given a fresh production and a contemporary energy, while its original character and spirit remain firmly in place. From the opening moments, the track grabs your attention with its jangling guitars, driving rhythm and distinctive drumming. There is a wonderful sense of movement throughout the song, with the band constantly pushing forward without losing its melodic side. The result is energetic, sharp and catchy post-punk that sounds surprisingly fresh more than four decades after the original composition. The vocals of Dave Jackson fit perfectly with the music. His delivery has an unmistakable post-punk character, adding urgency and personality to the song without becoming overly dramatic. Meanwhile, the combination of guitars, bass, keyboards and drums creates a rich but focused sound. Particularly impressive is Clive Thomas’ drumming, which gives the track much of its special character and relentless momentum. What makes the single even more interesting is its lyrical relevance. Although the song comes from a very different era, its themes still feel appropriate in today’s uncertain world. The Room have not simply returned to the past for nostalgia; instead, they have taken an older song and shown how its ideas can still speak to a modern audience. “Things Have Learnt …” is an excellent introduction to the upcoming “Doom Pop!” album. It successfully connects The Room’s early post-punk identity with their current sound, proving that the band’s music has lost none of its energy or relevance. This band clearly still has plenty to say and offer.
♦ 8/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
