Military Genius, the project of Joshua Tree-based songwriter and producer Bryce Cloghesy (also of Crack Cloud), delivers an introspective and soulful journey with his latest single “Window to the Soul,” taken from his upcoming album Scarred for Life, set for release on November 1st via Unheard of Hope. The track blends R&B-tinged melodies with syncopated beats, allowing Cloghesy’s vocals to shine as they effortlessly shift between soulful vulnerability and a more detached, stony delivery. It’s a song that not only captures deep emotion but also invites the listener into the complex aftermath of trauma.
In Cloghesy’s own words, “‘Window to the Soul’ reflects on trauma and its lingering effects, showing how our past can distort our understanding of the present.” The song feels like an exploration of distorted perception, where attempting to rationalize what’s happened pulls you further from clarity—”like looking through curved glass,” he describes. The listener is invited into a space where logic fades, and raw feeling takes over, giving the track an almost hypnotic, meditative quality.
Following the success of lead single “Darkest Hour”—which garnered praise from Stereogum, Brooklyn Vegan, and Under the Radar—Scarred for Life promises to be an ambitious project. The album weaves together elements of bass-heavy R&B, dub, jazz, and rock, all anchored by poignant lyricism. Written, recorded, and produced by Cloghesy, it reflects his journey to process both personal and mental health struggles, as well as life changes, including a near-death experience in 2012 that serves as the emotional heart of the record.
His decision to embrace raw, acoustic sounds and a “human-first” approach to recording lends the album an unvarnished authenticity. “Blemishes and artifacts were welcomed,” Cloghesy notes, as he crafted the record with a naturalistic and hand-made ethos, resulting in a sound that feels as personal as it does powerful. Scarred for Life is an album shaped by life’s scars, but it emerges from those wounds with grace and catharsis, offering an emotional depth that resonates deeply with listeners.
With a fall tour across the UK and Europe, including performances at London’s Sebright Arms and the Netherlands’ Le Guess Who? Festival, Military Genius is set to bring this deeply personal and evocative music to a wider audience. Scarred for Life is available for pre-order now, and if “Window to the Soul” is any indication, this album will be an expansive and soul-stirring experience. Check it out below: