Los Angeles, USA-based rock group The Loud Bangs was one of my highlights of 2022. The prolific band, consisting of Alice Street, Daisy Gutierrez, Hannah Remley, and Marcus Nemuro, with producer Darren Callahan, released a staggering six EPs last year, somehow never compromising on quality. Their final EP of 2022 is called Salvation Memorial Hospital.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by Kim Withers
Salvation Memorial Hospital is five tracks collected around the themes of relationships and romance. It’s a thematic departure from what we’ve shared from them before. The Alice Experience, for instance, dwelled on mental health issues. What hasn’t changed, though, is the band’s unique sound – one that’s influenced by shoegaze, ’90s alternative and German club music in equal measure.
Spectral Field opens it up, with the band’s characteristic faint but emotive vocals. You get the sense of romance straight away thanks to its seductive groove and ’80s power pop sensibilities. As the track progresses, the guitar feedback grows, sending you into a fuzzy bliss.
Late Day Magnets comes next, bringing with it a bright and dreamy feel. Delicate harmonies blend with steady percussion and compelling vocals to create something that feels like a twisted take on ’90s romantic pop such as Sixpence None The Richer.
Candy Sometimes Always is the EP’s first single and comes complete with a video. Compared to the dreaminess of the first track so far, it feels like vibrant technicolour and no doubt this is what drove the decision to make it a single. It’s instantly captivating and definitely feels like an EP highlight.
Future Bruises is the EP’s second single and also has a video. It takes the EP’s story in a more psychedelic and experimental direction without losing the thread of pop that has been established so far. A mosaic of vocal samples and distortions makes it feel like a collection of snatched conversations during a mellow house party. Halfway through the rock energy is ramped up, finally reaching an uplifting climax.
Playboy Tattoo rounds the EP off. It’s a truly intimate moment, with a stripped-back feel and a cantering tempo. If you’re heart hadn’t already been melted by the first four tracks, then this one will definitely do it. It will wrap you up and tell you everything is going to be OK. What a great finish!
I’m not sure I’ll ever understand how The Loud Bangs are able to put out so much great music but I’m certainly not complaining. The change in the emotional landscape of Salvation Memorial Hospital manages to keep things fresh for the band, as does the subtle pop elements that have been added to their rock sound. This EP is simply stunning. You can check out the whole thing below.
