Brooding, grunge band, five-piece Loom have been hailed as one of the next ‘bands to watch’.

With over two years of chaotic shows along with the announcement of a debut album ready and waiting, Loom could soon be set to allow their raw, ominous and dark rock ‘n’ roll to rise above the underground.

 

 

First of all to get the obvious and inevitable introduction out of the way, lead singer Tarik is the brother of The Horrors’ Faris Badwan, there now you can make all those cynical comparisons. However from the first listen you realise there are no similarities to be drawn with The Horrors beyond their early gothic vibe. Loom are a band that have been taking inspiration from the opposite side of the record store.

The shyly released debut EP ‘Bleed On Me’ (February 2013) was a naive and unflattering introduction, thankfully however, most people would not have heard this limited cassette release. Menacing single ‘Bleed On Me’ being the only track worth any attention, as it crossed the DIY metal of The Melvin’s with the gothic rock of The Misfits. This was followed up with the frantic punk energy of ‘I Get A Taste’ in March 2013, which was later included on the EP ‘Lice’ (released on Hate, Hate, Hate). Self-titled track ‘Lice’ takes the 70’s raw power of Iggy Pop and channels it through the 80’s trash grunge of Mudhoney, while ‘Salt’ manages to outdo Pearl Jam with the self-pity in this teenagers’ favourite worst nightmare. The stand out track is ‘Acid King City’ with its raunchy bass straight from the heart of The Birthday Party’s Tracy Pew and droning guitar lines of The Jesus and Mary Chain.

Having been touring for over two years and forging a distinct direction from their first to second EP, the release of their debut album will show if Loom can stand apart.

For more information Loom see their facebook page.

words Alan Byatt