Search - Loved Ones :: Loved Ones

Punk in the vein of the early 90's

Dusty Gates | Brooklyn, NY | 12/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I accidentally discovered The Loved Ones at a Rise Against show I went to this past August. Not only did I not know that they'd be playing, I had no clue what they'd sound like.



What I heard was very enjoyable. Their catcy hooks, their immense stage prescence, everything about the performance I loved. When I got home, the first thing I did was look up info on them and downloaded their song "100K" (available on their site). It's since then become one of the most listened to songs on my computer.



The most accurate description I've heard people used to description their sound is a mix of early 90's Green Day and Jawbreaker, with a touch of Alkaline Trio thrown in. I agree with that. They can cover the catchy pop hooks of Green Day and lyrical brilliance of Blake Schwarzenbach, as apparant in "100K" as well as the deep bass lines of Mike Dirnt and Dan Andriano, shown in "Massive."



I highly recommend this band to everyone, especially fans of the aforementioned bands and any other group associated with them. Their debut full length on Fat Wreck Chords (whoops, there goes almost everyone) comes out early next year, so check that out when it arrives as well."

More Kid Dynamite/Lifetime offspring!

Destroy Boy | www.ohboydestroy.com | 06/15/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It looks like another fruit has fallen from the Kid Dynamite/Lifetime tree. Unlike the relatively close falling apple Paint It Black, which is really what Kid Dynamite would sound like ripping off Black Flag, The Loved Ones more closely resemble the rock and roll swagger of brethren None More Black.



So what's all the fuss about? I can only describe it as a tougher edged melodic approach to hard rock. Before you roll your eyes in disgust, you really have to hear this to appreciate it. With only five songs on this EP it goes by quick but these are five solid songs.



The opener, and catchiest of the bunch, is a start/stop masterpiece with a layered chorus that punches right through your jaded attempt to not enjoy this guilty pleasure. The second song "Chicken" drifts into a burst of speed on the bridge, almost making you think this is going to be a hardcore song, but expertly descends back to a strong, melodic mid-paced rhythm only to conclude with a slower paced yet catchy dual vocal ending. The slower paced "Massive" had the potential to be too poppy but the impassioned vocals, bass growl and sharp use of melody to build to a climatic crescendo does its work to remind you this is certainly not a pop record. The biggest surprise is the all acoustic "Drastic". This song is carried by the once again sincere vocals coupled with the forceful, dynamic delivery of the sole acoustic guitar. It closes out with the satisfying "Candy Cane" that does drift a little into the cliché emo breakdown but remains a great song none the less.



I'm just as big a fan of hardcore as the next guy but I have to say this is the best band to spring up from the ashes of those legendary forefathers to date. I guess it's ironic it's not a hardcore band but these guys have shown they can branch out beyond that and deliver something that, while not the same, is worthy of the mantle of their heritage. I just hope they don't flame out after one EP.



Check out more reviews at ohboydestroy."

A nice slice of pop punk.

Not Feeling Creative | Virginia | 12/24/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Don't be afraid by the label. This trio does play what could be best classified as pop punk, but wear influences from their past hardcore acts Kid Dynamite, The Curse, and Trial By Fire. These songs are full of catchy hooks, but with a passion and energy usually lacking from modern soulless pop punk bands of today.



The EP starts off with the huge hooks of 100K, a bouncing song that could easily fit on indie radio. After the first listen you'll be humming the tune to yourself. Next up is Chicken, where The Loved Ones slow it down a bit and show their hardcore influences in a more serious tune. Massive could easily be mistaken for a Hot Water Music song, their singer clearly was influenced by the vocal stylings of Chuck Ragan. Drastic switches things up with an acoustic song, nothing spectacular, but shows that these guys can write and play good music without resorting to studio magic and heavy distortion. The last track, Chicken, is similar to 100K, not quite as catchy but a good way to close out the too-short EP.



These guys cover a lot of ground in their Jade Tree debut. Their full length comes out on Fat Wreck early 2006, so be sure to check them out. The price is a bit high for a short EP, you can get it for a few dollars cheaper from No Idea Records' online distribution."