Review by Dom Vigil
Nashville pop trio, Loyals are about to become your new favorite band. With the release of their refreshingly bright debut album, Loyals merge elements of synth pop, R&B and alternative rock to create something not only catchy and accessible, but incredibly relatable. With singer Dane Allen’s stunning vocals layered on top of lush instrumentals, this album is truly the full package.
The first thing you’ll likely notice about the band’s sound is the groovy bass work and twinkling, 80’s influenced synth. Each track feels fresh and bright, but without becoming repetitive. Instead, the band easily weaves their wide array of influences throughout the album to create a sound that is uniquely their own, but something that will certainly resonate with fans of Great Good Fine OK, The 1975 or LANY.
These twelve songs are sure-fire massive pop hits, but that doesn’t mean that they’re empty lyrically. Instead, each song feels incredibly intimate. “Bail Out” and “Skyline,” for instance, touch on the subject of young love, with “Bail Out” depicting feelings of uncertainty and fear and “Skyline” capturing the feeling of love at first sight. Both songs feel very personal, but are delivered in a way that’ll leave you singing along.
Standout tracks are definitely the ones that break the mold. The R&B influenced “Hold On” is a sensual masterpiece, hosting easily some of the best vocal work on the album, while the pounding “Gone” feels hopeless and scared, taking a step away from the otherwise warm tones on the rest of the album. The 90’s infused “To The Top” is a feel-good anthem, while only a few songs later, Loyals channel The 1975 in the ambient and heartbreaking “IDC.”
Loyals not only manage to deliver hit after hit on their debut full-length, but they’ve also created something with depth. These songs strip the band to their core and really lay it all on the line. “Alright,” for instance, insists that you’re fine on your own with a message of resilience and perseverance, while the final track, “Don’t Let Me Let You Down” finds the band asking for help. No matter the mood, there are no down moments or filler songs on this release. Catchy as hell without becoming repetitive, memorable enough to get stuck in your head after one listen and filled to the brim with emotion, Loyals have absolutely delivered with their self-titled debut release.
LISTEN TO: “Skyline”
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