My wife and I have been fans of Philadelphia’s The Loved Ones since they released their first EP a few years back. That record and their 2006 full-length Keep Your Heart were full or gritty but melodic East Coast pop punk that played nicely alongside Smoke Or Fire, Kid Dynamite, and the like so as pop-punk fans it’s probably easy to see why we really liked them. Their latest record Build And Burn (however) is a bit of a departure and actually caught us a little off guard on the first listen.
I hate to phrase it this way, but on Build And Burn, The Loved Ones show a little more maturity and versatility in their songwriting than they have on past efforts. It sounds cliché but (in this case) is 100% correct. The band slows down the breakneck speeds and incorporates an almost roots rock sound into their style; an almost Social Distortion or even Springsteen sorta vibe at times. Heck, Franz Nicolay and Tad Kubler from The Hold Steady both appear on Build And Burn and that should at least get you headed in the right direction.
The reason that the songs on Build And Burn really work isn’t the catchy choruses or anthemic refrains (though they help). It isn’t even the incorporation of a little bit of Americana alongside the furious pop-punk. What really makes these songs great is the earnestness and honesty that comes through in the music. It almost sounds as if the band is coming to terms with growing up and getting old. Understandable when you realize that The Loved Ones are made up guys that have played in bands such as The Curse, Paint It Black, Trial By Fire, and The Explosion and frontman Dave Hause was once even a roadie for the Bouncing Souls.
Build And Burn is a fantastic slab of melodic punk rock that is peppered with Americana. It is biting and brash, but not bratty. The kids might love it but I’ll probably love it more. Get it today from Fat Wreck Chords.
MP3 | The Loved Ones – The Bridge Build And burn
MP3 | The Loved Ones – Sarah’s Game Build And Burn
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It’s one happy family – The Loved Ones (!), Kid Dynamite and None More Black. Philly brotherly love!