The second album from Malmo, Sweden rockers Astro-Lloyd, Loud Noises features a band consisting of four drummers at their core and a bass player for this aptly titled listen that's full of pop culture references and certainly isn’t lacking in muscular riffs.

“Gnorts, Mr. Alien” gets the listen off to a loud, buzzing start, where the hard-hitting drums and swirling guitars align for the ’90s throwback rock that could have easily landed on the FM dial. “Simply Fabulous” follows and uses dreamy moments and some well-done singing for plenty of grit and melody. Then “T-Shirt” delivers a scrappy, charged rocker that’s full of thick bass and the sort of drumming that’s so complicated it almost seems mechanical.

In the middle, we’re treated to the more pop-punk friendly “Antlers,” as well as the soft intimacy of the heartfelt “Hello, Beautiful” that builds into a melodic and anthemic album highlight. “Please And Thank You” is a close second, though, and is powerful enough to fill stadiums, but still raw enough for a dimly lit club thanks to its animated rhythm section and soaring vocals.

Making our way towards the end, the swift and energetic “YOU ME THEM” thunders with a busy but precise version of modern alt-rock, and “Super Secret Boy Band” exits with technical guitar solos surrounded by blistering interaction between the drums and bass.

Andreas Jabrell, Nils Lindkvist, Mattias Hallin and Gustaf Danielsson are the drummers at the heart of the band, and Dave Sivén plays bass. Together, they bring us back to a time when bands like My Chemical Romance, Yellowcard, The Used and Paramore were stars. They do it so well, in fact, that they alone could ignite a resurgence of the early 2000’s alt-rock sound.

Rating: A-

User Rating: Not Yet Rated

---

Comments