The Loved Ones

Item: The Loved Ones
Author: Josh Blackway

The Loved Ones

(2005)

Reviewed by Josh Blackway

Discogs Bandcamp Apple Music TIDAL Spotify YouTube Music

Label Jade Tree RecordsDecapolisMarch 2005

hardcore punk melodic hardcore punk

The Loved Ones come from the Philly area, an area that once carried the spirit of punk rock proudly. Personally, I think the spirit kind of died in this city, but I'm not here to give a scene report. This 5 song debut EP will help restore some of the attitude that dwindled down a little after the passing of the legendary Kid Dynamite. Jade Tree made a smart move signing these guys. The trio is made up of some serious X's: X- Kid Dynamite, X-Trial by Fire, and X- the Curse, Dave Hause on vocals/guitar.

Well, there are 5 songs here to get to know this band. The first track, 100K, will have you turning up that volume knob. Chicken will have it turned up even louder. Fiery, emotional (I mean that in the best way possible), hook-filled punk rock & roll. The third track, Massive, is the only one you might wanna turn it down a notch on. A much darker representation of the writing style Hause brings to the table. This song is dedicated to Hause's mother, who he sadly lost in 2004. Drastic keeps the feeling of the first two songs, only it does it acoustically. Finally, Candy Cane brings up the volume one last time. It also brings up the speed towards the end of the song. This is some fine punk rock.

There really isn't a whole lot to compare these guys to today, but that's ok. There are plenty of examples to compare them to yesterday. So if you miss yesterday's punk rock, check out the Loved Ones.

3/4