It is with a heart full of gratitude, even in its difficult moments, that Loser Demon reveals a little more of themselves with EP2. Review.
EP2 – LOSER DEMON
We discover Loser Demon through their second EP, logically titled EP2. While the vocals can occasionally get lost in a powerful and saturated drum mix, the technique is there, and it’s a lovely discovery. Holding Ground opens with a bright, optimistic, and festive energy, with a touch of nostalgia at the end that hints at some beautiful shimmers to come. Two Times keeps a similar dynamic, with Californian sunshine in the guitar riffs, and a tone in the vocals that is more serious, although I would have liked to hear them brought more to the forefront. The textures arise from a clear blend of scratchy influences, from post-punk to power-pop, built on a solid and satisfying garage foundation.
Melancholic tones re-emerge with Rewinder. It’s a wide, slow, and tender zoom-out. And it offers a view of the world as a whole, its joys and sorrows, its tragedies through both lyrics and atmosphere. Through it, we taste the longing for a slower, more peaceful, gentler world. It’s a track that really speaks to me. Very well executed, it also serves as a pivotal piece, with a more classic base, but one that’s entirely effective. Hundred Feet follows on nicely. Though darker than the opener, there’s still a glimmer of hope shining through the instruments.
Reliance is the climb back up towards optimism. With a track that expresses through both its sound and its lyrics that every step counts, despite fear, drama, and anxiety, we fully savour the spirit of the band. Loser Demon close this EP2 with Living in the Margins, a track with a light and melancholic intro, perfectly in tune with their aesthetic and the concept behind this record. Loser Demon invite us to observe the world in all its facets through tracks that are certainly saturated, but delicate in soul. While the result could be polished further in some areas, the technique is beautiful, present, steady, and most importantly, in service of emotion. A fine record to discover this Californian band.
