War Room - The Top Floor
Adolescence and power were themes that Louis wanted to explore in high school, but lacked a band. Through the formation of the avant-garde group ‘War Room’, the artist finally had a vessel; a lectern to share his story.
Recently on Three D Radio’s “Feedback Loop”, I sat down with Louis and Maxwell to talk about their new single ‘The Top Floor’. The track is chaotic, dissonant and fucking bizarre, with a rhythmically-sharp main riff, coupled with a cheeky measure of 3/4 to mess with our heads. Despite it’s experimental nature, it was crafted by a crew of talented creatives, as it radically quiets down into an intimate groove, like a subtle conversation overheard within the chatter of a wine bar.
Louis Campbell of War Room
The single was recorded at Summertown Studio, hidden away in the upper grottos of the Adelaide Hills. Although the group attempted to mix the track themselves, it all came together when they handballed it to Matt Schultz of The Empty Threats.
“Matt really cleaned it up and made it sound the way it is” Maxwell proclaimed humbly. Max credits the power of Adelaide’s small-town nature to building a relationship with The Empty Threats. Louis elaborated on the groups’ relationship with their post-punk older siblings, explaining how front person Stu Patterson served as a mentor to the artist as they navigated the world of being in a band.
“ I remember meeting up with Stu in the early days of War Room … they talked about the important things when running a band ... looking after each other and being yourself … and that guidance I really respected.”
In addition, Louis talked about the overall music community in Adelaide:
“Everybody is super friendly to each other, and I think that really defined the way that I think about live music; with this huge sense of community, and everyone is here to help each other.”
It’s clear that the groups involvement in such a positive community had an impact on them. Recently, Louis has been starting up his own DIY record label, capslock, to support his broader creative community. Recently, capslock worked with Wake in Fright to release their debut album, and Louis hinted at some more upcoming projects.
“I don’t think people can do stuff alone, you need to have someone help you through a process, and help you visualise your art … community is very important.”
Maxwell Elphick of War Room
We explored the concept of rock music and masculinity together, and Louis dug deeper with me.
“When I’m on stage, I don’t feel gendered, I’m not trying to be cool … That kind of washes away my masculinity and lets me perform androgynously.”
We discussed how the music world is predominantly male and we reflected on how Adelaide understands the importance of diversity in the music industry because everyone knows everyone in our tight-knit community.
War Room performing at The Exeter, July 29th 2023
I asked the pair about if it was fair to consider the group as ‘post-punk’ and, although not offended, they explained how they could never concisely identify with a singular genre.
“In the early days we definitely thought post-punk, but now … we just like making weird things … it’s difficult to pick it.” Maxwell explained. It seems like the origin of War Room’s unique sound comes from everyone’s diverse taste in music, as well as their inexperience making experimental music.
“I think we get bored if it’s not weird.” Louis claimed casually, yet soulfully. This attitude has continually been evident in their discography, as well as across their dynamic live shows.
‘The Top Floor’ is the lead single from War Room’s upcoming album (which is yet to be announced), aiming for a September release.
