bill bodkin steps into the fire…
When listening to a new album for the first time, especially from a band you’re completely unfamiliar with, sometimes you like to read about the band in order to try and get your head around what’s exactly going on in the bands’ head.
When I checked out the description of the San Fran-based band Loquat’s new album We Could Be Arsonists, I saw the following…
“Chronicles of train terrorism, space expeditions, criminal infamy, and monsters under the bed are just a few of the themes you’ll hear on Loquat’s third full-length album…”
A feeling of apprehension and disappointment washed over this reviewer. Was Loquat to be another hipster band with screaming banshee vocals, dissonant guitars and tin sounding drum work? The kind of gritty, sweaty, been-there done-there garage influenced indie rock that’s been recycled more times than one can remember?
So in the spirit of ‘let’s get this over with’ the iTunes play button was clicked. Surprisingly, what came out from the speakers was the exact opposite of my pre-conceived negativity and cynicism. And as the last track faded of the album into the ether, I came to this conclusion — We Could Be Arsonists is a must-listen and Loquat could be on its way to stardom real soon.
The Bay Area band delivers a sound that’s lush and bursting with vibrant imagery yet is still intimate, quiet and personal. It has a certain beauty to it, thanks in part to the dreamy voice of lead singer Kylee Swenson. Her voice evokes images of the Feist, Florence Welch and Best Coast in all their glory. It has a breezy, touching and wonderful quality to it. It’s entrancing yet lighthearted … simply enjoyable.
Musically, the album hits on all of its influences and experiments. Definitely an indie pop oriented outfit, Loquat still is able to mix their own takes on new wave, psych rock, indie electronic and jangle pop. Performed with style and precision, Loquat has sonically positioned themselves as a band that is not only relevant to today’s scene but to make a lasting impact.
So if you’re looking for that next under the radar artist to soundtrack your summer — look no further than Loquat.
