Loop

Released in late 2011, Loop serves as a fascinating archival release from Ben Sharp, the sole architect behind Cloudkicker. Unlike the highly structured narratives of 'Beacons' or 'The Discovery', Loop is a compilation of sixteen musical ideas that were originally conceived as fragments or starting points for other projects. Sharp famously suggested that listeners play the album with a 10-12 second crossfade, effectively turning the EP into a continuous, generative soundscape. This release solidified Cloudkicker's reputation as a pioneer of the 'bedroom producer' movement in progressive metal, demonstrating that even unpolished sketches could possess significant artistic value. Critically, it is viewed as a bridge between his heavier math-metal roots and the more ambient, post-rock leaning textures of his later career. It remains a cult favorite among programmers and students for its unparalleled ability to facilitate deep focus.