ALBUM REVIEW: The Rain Museum – Armor For Sleep

The Rain Museum almost never happened. The fourth album by New Jersey rock band ARMOR FOR SLEEP has been 15 years in the making. It’s not that the band didn’t want to make the album; in fact, it is quite the opposite. After writing a short story called The Rain Museum, vocalist Ben Jorgensen wanted an album to accompany it. However, the major label that they were signed to at the time said that the band shouldn’t concentrate on concept albums. Then ARMOR FOR SLEEP went on an indefinite hiatus in 2009, and the fourth album didn’t see the light of day – until now, that is. After reuniting in 2020, Jorgensen decided that lockdown would be the perfect time to look over ideas for the album that never was. The result was The Rain Museum.

Whilst the original concept of the album is still there, there is also something more to it. The opening song – and title track – starts off with a haunting piano before erupting into a force of guitars and drums. If this was a movie, then this could be a brilliant way to open it. However, it does its job well here. The initial concept of The Rain Museum was a post-apocalyptic world where there is no weather on Earth. In the middle of a desert, there was a museum where the exhibits of what the world was like before civilisation crumbled are held. However, after his marriage broke down, Jorgensen decided to change the idea, and thus the album became about grief and the process of letting go.

The result is an album that is brutally honest, but also cathartic. It is clear that the band have put their heart into this album. However, that doesn’t mean that it avoids falling into clichés. For example, whilst its lyrical content is heartbreaking, How Far Apart does little to separate itself from other arena rock songs sound wise. That is the main issue with this album. ARMOR FOR SLEEP haven’t expanded their sound all that much. Whilst the indie rock vibe that they are going for might resonate with some people, for others it will feel like the product of a by-gone era. Of course, because it is their first release in 15 years, the band could be sticking to what they know by playing it safe. However, by doing that, they are limiting their listeners. The music industry has changed a lot over those 15 years, and it would benefit the band if they caught up with the times.

The saving grace of the album are the lyrics. They are vulnerable and it sounds like you are reading someone’s diary. It is clear that in writing this album, Jorgensen found it therapeutic. This album is definition of the saying: “The pen is mightier than the sword.”

In conclusion, The Rain Museum is not all that it has been cracked up to be. Whilst the lyrics are compelling, heartbreaking, and the best thing about the album, the rest of it falls a little flat. ARMOR FOR SLEEP have clearly stayed in the safety zone when it comes to their sound. Unfortunately, this is where it doesn’t work. Whilst indie rock suits them, the band could do with adding a little experimentation. For their first release in 15 years, this feels a little too safe.

Rating: 6/10

The Rain Museum is set for release on September 9th via Rude Records/Equal Vision Records.

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