Loser Demon shares latest release with ‘EP2’

Coming out of Riverside in California, Loser Demon is an indie rock quartet that’s been making an impact on the alternative music scene over the last year. Featuring the talents of Keith on bass, vocals and production, Zach on guitar and backing vocals, Kyle on guitar and Dan on drums, they’re a group of musicians crammed into a small backyard studio, chasing ideas until they spark, managing to turn those late-night sessions into something thoroughly well-received.

Loser Demon lands somewhere between Pavement and Interpol, borrowing the melodic playfulness of 90s alternative rock and cutting it with the dark energy of early-2000s post punk. There’s a touch of Uncle Joe’s Big Ol’ Driver in their scrappy charm and flashes of Superchunk in their feedback-drenched choruses. But even with these nods to their influences, they’re not stuck in nostalgia, they’re progressing fast and developing their sound with each release.

First unveiling their sound in October last year, they made their official artistic entrance with the debut single “Business Days” which they quickly followed up with “P.S. Don’t Die” before their first EP landed later in the year. This year, they’ve shown no signs of slowing down, returning with a trio of singles in the build up to their latest release, their sophomore EP titled EP2.

EP2 marks a clear step up in both production and songwriting; the sound is bigger, more assured and sonically adventurous without losing the aesthetic that made their debut so exciting. The band leaps into a mix of power pop, post punk and classic indie rock stylings, creating tracks that swing between the loud and the delicate, the explosive and the intimate. Thematically, EP2 turns its gaze outward, reflecting on the world’s volatility and the daily fight to push through it. The lyrics capture a sense of modern fatigue tempered with determination, distilling the survival that comes with grit and gratitude rather than glamour.

Kicked off with “Holding Ground,” the crunch of guitar sets up Keith’s commanding vocal leads as the track builds with lead guitar notes and surge of drums before bursting into an infectious pop-tinged rock outing. Flowing with dancing lead guitar licks and punching percussion capped by catchy vocal hooks, it’s an epic showcase of the band’s songwriting flair and performance talent.

“Two Times” jumps straight in with the uptempo strike of drums and gritty guitar tones, rolling with memorable melodic leads and swaggering delivery, serving up a lively pop punk outing that’s energising and original in equal measure. “Rewinder” slows things down with the laid back shuffle of drums and twang of guitar notes before gliding into a melodic indie rock jam that shines with delicate writing and mellow energy.

With “Hundred Feet,” the soft taps of cymbal ushers in smokey guitar textures and hushed vocal delivery, gently expanding into a blissfully melodic indie experience that reveals the more emotive side of Loser Demon. Fan favourite “Reliance” launches with the charging rustle of drums and thick guitar lines to set up an anthemic voyage of crashing drums and slick instrumental flourishes led by spectacular vocals.

Closing the EP with “Living in the Margins,” the airy tones of soothing guitar notes and brushed drums forms a mesmeric atmosphere which gradually builds throughout to present a stunning final moment on the band’s epic new EP. With EP2, Loser Demon have shown that they’re a must watch garage band with big dreams, staking their claim as a rising creative force ready to leave a mark and we can’t wait to see what they’ve got in store next.

Listen to EP2 below