Louse
Passions Like Tar
Feel It Records [2024]
Album Overview: Formed in Cincinnati in 2021, Louse has established themselves within the new-wave punk scene. The group consists of Sam Souders on vocals, guitar, and keys; Danny Lovell on bass; Connor Simpson on guitar; Max Enslen on keys; and Bradley Kennedy on drums. Together, they created a project that evokes a mix of nostalgic and experimental tendencies. Passions Like Tar marks their debut which was recorded during the summer of 2023. The record presents a collection of dark, gothy tracks that explore a variety of moods and tempos, ranging from fast-paced rhythms to slower, more introspective moments. The album features intricate guitar work paired with tight drumming, laying the foundation for lyrics that navigate darker themes. Throughout the album, Louse constructs a soundscape that links individual tracks into a larger narrative, resulting in a cohesive body of work. Louse succeeds with this memorable debut as their own distinct approach is exemplified by minimalist post-punk, defined by sparse instrumentation, dark basslines, and haunting, melancholic vocals.
Musical Style: Louse leans heavily into the post-punk genre, incorporating modulated guitars and synth-driven arrangements. Their sound references the gothic traditions of the ’80s while maintaining a modern punk edge. The drums provide a driving force within the music, offering a persistent energy. Vocally, the band delivers layered performances, creating a striking atmosphere that complements the instrumental intensity. While remaining within the boundaries of their genre, Louse introduces angular melodies and rhythmic shifts that add variety to their tracks.
Evolution of Sound: While Louse’s sound is rooted in traditional post-punk influences, Passions Like Tar represents a progression for the band in terms of crafting longer, more developed tracks. The album strikes a balance between their earlier, straightforward energy and a newer, more deliberate exploration of structure and depth. The use of synths is more pronounced, adding dimension to the guitar-heavy arrangements. Louse has evolved from a raw, emerging act into a group experimenting with intricate song compositions that already carry the sound of a veteran band.
Artists with Similar Fire: Fans of The Cure, Joy Division, Bauhaus, and Depeche Mode will likely find parallels in Louse’s music. Their mix of driving rhythms and atmospheric tones aligns with modern post-punk revival acts like San Francisco’s Topographies or Interpol. The connection to these groups lies in their blend of melodic guitar lines and the dark aesthetic that ties the songs together.
Pivotal Tracks: On Passions Like Tar, several tracks stand out for their distinctive qualities and contributions to the album’s overall flow. “Thieves” opens the album with a rhythmic, energetic tone, its pulsing beat and memorable riffs providing an accessible entry point into Louse’s world. In contrast, “A Potter’s Field” slows the pace, offering a more expansive and atmospheric moment that allows the band to explore deeper sonic textures. “Bed of Knives” and “From the Swarm” balance the album’s contrasting elements, merging rhythmic intensity with darker, reflective lyrical approaches, serving as key tracks that tie the album’s themes together.
Lyrical Strength: The lyrics on Passions Like Tar confront themes of isolation and introspection, often painting vivid pictures of inner conflict and external desolation. Souders emotionally charged, often anguished vocals further defines their sound as they complement the music’s brooding undertones, with the words providing strong imagery and a sense of personal reflection.
LOUSE LINKS
Instagram | Bandcamp | Feel It Records
- Louse: Passions Like Tar [Album Review] - September 25, 2024
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