Unlike my last album review of Little Simz’ Grey Area, this album isn’t the hot new thing. It’s much older. That same album has also already reached iconic status within the music industry for being a pioneer within the genre of alternative rock, as well as kicking the door down for the shoegazing movement of England to reek havoc on contemporary music. There’s only one album that fits this description: Loveless.
Anyone who has already listened to Loveless will likely agree with me that this album’s sound is impossible to replicate in words. I could comment on the lush, grandoise textures that Kevin Shields drips out of each riff, or the ethereal vocals that Bilinda Butcher swirls around each sonic soundscape this album offers. But, truly, it’s a listening experience. It’s a melting sensation of sugary warmth that encapsulates your psyche. It’s so unbelievably vivid. I think the album cover offers a great visual aid of this album’s sound, personally. Perhaps just look at that and ignore my ramblings.
From a songwriting perspective, the album takes a bleak, stripped back approach; certainly nothing to write home about. Structurally, the songs don’t follow any interesting patterns or chord progressions. Nothing more complicated than your average pop tune. Yet, what amounted was this amalgamation of sonic brilliance and artistic genius that allowed the band (mainly Shields, this was really his baby) to craft a once in a lifetime experience, even with a couple of shortcomings.
This is a must listen record for any fan of music. It’s an essential hallmark to the growing attitude of alt-rock at the time, and only sounds better with age.
mhlawless
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- ALBUM REVIEW: My Bloody Valentine – Loveless - April 9, 2019
- ALBUM REVIEW: Little Simz – Grey Area - March 22, 2019