Loud Love

Loud Love is a Belgian five piece that released their debut EP on White Russian Records. Everyone in this record has past experience in other bands and you can hear that. If only because this sounds really tight and professional. Loud Love plays the kind of hardcore that reminds me of the melodic hardcore that Reflections Records released in the noughties, think Steel Rules Die and Circle. Especially the singer reminded me of that last band. A little research later and I patted myself on the back, I got it just right. This doesn't sound like the guy from Circle, it actually is the same guy.

Allow me to speak a bit more of the style of hardcore displayed on this sweet and short EP. After hitting play you'll find something post hardcore with some old-school elements hidden in it. There is also room for a dash of emo. Especially the vocals add that specific sound. The way Dries switches from clean to screams is phenomenal. He made Circle (check their album Vaudeville if you have the chance) an excellent band and with Loud Love his voice lifts this material above average. The music itself is pretty good as well, but really benefits from the great vocals. There is some nice melodic vibe to the Angels Maintenance that is aggressive and uplifting at the same time, like on “Slow News Day”. Picking a favorite song of this EP is not that easy, as each song hits it home. I guess my favorite song on this EP is “This Waltz” where the final line “For what it's worth, I’m sorry” feels so genuine it is almost cathartic. With only five songs this EP is way to short to my liking. I am looking forward to a full length by Loud Love. Bring it on!

8.5 / 10 — Dennis