The general narrative would suggest that The Loud Bangs are a shoegaze band. Their blurry, foggy and dusky guitars would certainly imply so. On a deeper look, though, one will realise that there’s so much more to it. It makes sense: the group operate in the contemporaneity, where genres have melted together, evolved, and taken fresh paths. This is abundantly clear in The Loud Bangs’ latest effort, ‘Why Things Fray’, a 5-track EP that also showcases the band’s impressive productivity.
Starting with ‘Analog Test’, the outfit captained by vocalist Alice Street seeks to keep things as abstract and ethereal as they can. Embracing a rather fuzzy and smoky soundscape, the track moves into shoegaze territories, while adding indie-powered elements, such as a twisty synth sweep that help the piece come to a close. ‘The Penelope Cannon’ seems to fancy a different direction, exploring post-punk and noisy territories.
Told you: eclecticism is welcome here. The guitar work on the song is pretty remarkable: the band manages to create harmony while being dissonant at the same time, building a rather nauseous, complex and haunting artistic scenario. We say nauseous in its most positive meaning, as if The Loud Bangs were trying to shake your consciousness from within, perhaps trying to waken their listeners from the modern-day apathy we all seem to be guilty of.
‘Circus Mirror’ continues on the same path, showcasing more of Street’s angelic and airy vocals, drenched in spacious reverb and long delays. That creates a stark contrast with the icy, cold sonic framework, building what we would describe as a musical chiaroscuro: a battle between light and darkness, asking every listener to make a choice: once again, The Loud Bangs is asking us for a reaction.
This is not a passive record, it shakes you to your core, it makes you question what you are hearing. It also makes you wonder. ‘Unpleasant Tense’ showcases a more nuanced character, echoing kraut-rock and prog influences. The EP comes to a close with ‘Ex Doll’, layering minimal drum machines against a decisively more conventional blend of keys and synthetisers. A wonderful piece, allowing us to catch a quieter, gentler side of the American group.
‘Why Things Fray’ is calling you: will you answer?
Recommended! Discover ‘Why Things Fray’ EP on Spotify:
