Loose
Archived
…And finally a band that jams to a different rhythm than the Grateful Dead or Blue Traveler…
Does anyone remember Jimi Hendrix or Manasis? I’m sorry if I just can’t accept another free-flow, mind-expanding, anyone-can-dance-to band. I want to experience what the band is experiencing and not what the audience can potentially devise. Loose is the word for Utah natives James Shook, Dale Rowley, and Patrick Robinson. Loose is their ability to create music that will speak for each other in a way truth and emotion are revealed while audiences receive an expression that is wholly concise. It’s a loose grip on what the music ought to sound and what you think might sell. Their approach is much too Zen for that. The band considers their music a positive, progressive outlet for emotions. Even in the midst of the screaming psychedelic fusion, they are still about emotional potentials and not “Fuck this life!” and “Look what you’ve done to me.”
Their music outweighs other fractions of sub-pop culture in positivity, but the meat behind their groove keeps me passing the polenta to all those who enjoy the easy to swallow “guy guitar folk” at the other end of the spectrum. The entire sound of this band is unique with constant rhythm changes and explosive undercurrents of jam. Loose is a return to cool funk, splicing Patrick’s passionate drumming, James’s unknown parameter on guitar and Dale’s darkly funky bass in consonance. They funnel buckets full of soul through a live wire of freedom, funk and roll. Ahhhh! The soul of this band is surprising to me because of the malfunctioning of genres of influences that might reflect their roots. They all admit to having completely different tastes in music, unified around earlier staples such as Bob Marley and Billy Joel. When I went to watch lead singer James, I saw a Dylan disposition with poetic prose to match, and at times, I heard a Neil Young sense of melody and phrase. Loose is young, uninhibited and wide open to their experience; with no attachment to finding their niche. Their orgy of muses keeps this band fresh and voyeuristically inviting.
You can check Loose in a number of local clubs if you watch your listings. On occasion you might find Mary or Michael of Sweet Loretta casting in their harmonies, or Dave Pellicciaro of the Jackmormons who can be found playing keyboards on Loose’s upcoming CD. Do it before they hit the road and enjoy your journey — it’s one you won’t want to miss. —T.C. Fischer
Read more from the SLUG Archives:
Napalm Death
Stabbing Westward
