motel void

I’ve always had a soft spot for California bands – a scene that’s incredibly diverse yet consistently high in quality. I only passed through Riverside (the hometown of California’s Loser Demon) once years ago on my way to Joshua Tree, but this EP instantly transported me back to sun-soaked California.

Loser Demon’s second EP is fittingly titled EP2. Across six tracks, the band moves somewhere between power-pop and post-punk. At times, I caught shades of Pedro the Lion, with a dash of early The Killers. Opener Holding Ground hits the mark right away – when the drums kick in around the 40-second mark and the song begins to build, it never lets go. Add in a catchy melody and wildly fun guitar riffs, and it’s an irresistible start.

Two Times is more straightforward, matching its two-and-a-half-minute runtime with urgency and charm. The lo-fi vocal effects work well, and the playful guitars explode into a frenetic final minute. On Rewinder, dance-like drums and a memorable riff set the pace, while the stripped-down vocals bring a more restrained mood after the first two high-energy tracks. I especially loved the lo-fi bridge at 2:30, where everything drops out before returning with a beautiful closing break.

The EP’s second half is anchored by Reliance, bursting with groove and an energetic mix of post-punk guitars, frantic drums, and laid-back vocals – a track with undeniable hit potential. Hundred Feet, just before it, delivers a breezier, more atmospheric touch. The closing track, Living in the Margins, stretches to nearly five minutes and hints at where the band might head next. Here, Loser Demon embrace a slower, more contemplative mood, layering guitars and measured vocals to create something ballad-like and deeply emotive. The gradual build leads to a finale that’s both subtle and satisfying.

With EP2, Loser Demon prove they’re more than just a fun guitar band. They balance energy and emotion, as well as hooks and atmosphere – and they do it brilliantly.

This album was discovered via SubmitHub

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