Cloaks is a solo project from Spencer Doran, who also performs with RV Paintings. For this limited CDR, Doran has combined two amazing pieces recorded in 2006 and 2007. Both tracks on "Serene" are drastically different, but manage to fit together very well and definitely live up to the title of the release.

The first piece, called "Dream Tape Number One," consists of over 35 minutes of swirling, muffled piano and fractured electric guitar. While the song is based on repetitive themes, it still warrants its length as it becomes increasingly deep, meditative, and engrossing as the track progresses. The track is centered around a simple, repeated piano line that echoes throughout. In the background, the multi-tracked guitar pulses and echoes into a swimming drone, giving the piece a soothing hum. Overall, the combined effect is quite hypnotic as the layers of ghostly sounds overlap and interact in warm, gentle waves.

Next comes the aptly titled "Improvisation for Guitar and Piano," which, as you might have guessed, is an acoustic guitar and piano piece. This short closer begins with minimal, folky guitar. Doran allows each guitar line to gently fade into silence, continuing the soft mood set in the previous track. The titular piano makes its appearance soon after, mostly as a light punctuation of the guitar part. The song is very simple, but quite pretty, and acts as a nice counterpoint to the thick sounds of the previous track.

Altogether, "Serene" is a thoughtful and beautiful disc that flourishes through a perfect implementation of simple ideas. Doran seems to know just how to place each sound to make his music interesting and moving. Above all, once you start listening, you won't be able to stop. Seriously, "Serene" is hugely addictive, and needs to be heard in its entirety, no matter how many times you've listened to it. In every way, this really is a small piece of musical bliss and, yes, serenity. 9/10 -- Matt Blackall (28 April, 2008)