The Room – Things Have Learnt To Walk That Ought To Crawl

Founded in 1979 by singer Dave Jackson and bassist Becky Stringer, the band was a favourite of famed BBC Radio DJ John Peel during the golden era of northern English post-punk before disbanding in 1985. Jackson and original drummer Clive Thomas reunited in 2022, together with guitarist Darren Brown, keyboardist Ethan Kyme, and bassist Becky Stringer, giving the band new energy. The song was recorded and mixed at Ark Studios in Liverpool and co-produced by Jackson and Steve Powell, whose credits include Michael Head & the Red Elastic Band and Echo & The Bunnymen. It combines historical authenticity with a professionally developed modern production. The Room return with a single that quickly evokes the spirit of classic northern English post-punk. Nostalgic electric guitars open the song, followed by energetic percussion, while the vocals suggest The Smiths and the arrangement could well have been recorded in the early 1980s. The production adds a slight reverbed atmosphere like that of Echo & The Bunnymen, giving the song extra depth while preserving its direct post-punk vibe. The melodic chorus is especially strong, conveying an anthemic feeling that feels ideal for a live audience. Lyrically, the song sets up an uncomfortable and slightly surreal mood, with visuals of stormy weather, sleeplessness, uncertainty, and emotional tension eventually building to the famous concept of things that have “learnt to walk” when they should crawl. The repeated la-la-la parts create a strangely magical effect, making the chorus even more catchy. Around 2:24, the short guitar solo segment adds an extra layer of reality, almost as if the listener has been transported to a small post-punk arena. The song then proceeds to a more melodic section before ending at 3:31. This song has a beautiful “vintage” vibe to it without coming across as a typical revivalist effort. It captures the spirit, guitars, and mood of early-1980s post-punk but retaining enough melodic characteristics to make you want to listen again.