The Loud Bangs – Salvation Memorial Hospital (2022)
Described by notable music publications as “a stunning musical journey that bends from the ethereal to anthemic…” (Plastic Magazine), “…prolific…” (York Calling), “…know how to make a statement, bringing back style with suave” (Good Music Radar), “…not just something you put on to chill out to” (The Other Side Reviews – that one’s us!), The Loud Bangs is a band enchanting audiences far beyond their US borders. Combining the talents of musicians Alice Street (vocals and guitar), Daisey Gutierrez (vocals, guitar and keyboards), Hannah Remley (bass) and Marcus Nemuro (drums), The Loud Bangs bring together nostalgic shoegaze with contemporary alternative rock tones. The latest addition to their discography is the EP Salvation Memorial Hospital.
In an interview with RGM, The Loud Bangs noted that they prefer Salvation Memorial Hospital “better than any of our other EPs because it takes the most changes and still sounds singable…this one also really hits the themes better than some of the past EPs”. While EPs like Zaera, The Alice Experience and Future Plaza retain shoegaze meets post-punk design, the band is correct in noting the diverse eclecticism existing in Salvation Memorial Hospital.
From the opening ‘Spectral Field’ presenting a strong nod to the psychedelic-rock band Pink Floyd, The Loud Bangs lull you into a wistful, whimsical, haze-filled sonic swirl with gentle tones. Yet, just as you feel yourself falling into a comfortable blanket of psychedelia, ‘Late Day Magnets’ lifts your head above water with a stronger rock edge but still tinged with dream-pop flitting across the melody. We hit the third track ‘Candy Sometimes’ leaning toward a Cranberries sensation, which is elegantly counter-acted in ‘Future Bruises’ and in a bolder ‘Future Bruises’ and ‘Playboy Tattoo’.
It is true that The Loud Bangs retain a signature shoegaze meets dream-pop lilt within Salvation Memorial Hospital; however, evolution can be felt (or rather heard) in the underlying quality of the EP. The Cranberries meet Pink Floyd brings a strong retro sensation to Salvation Memorial Hospital. Yet, while a vintage element exists, a powerful futuristic, experimental edginess brings a freshness to a sometimes-stagnating scene.
For more from The Loud Bangs check out their official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
