los - romances

Los 

Romances
self-released; 2013

3.8 out of 5

By Demiera Harris

I like listening to bands that are combinations of other bands; these types of bands typically have a great deal of experience writing and performing music, and that expertise tends to bleed heavily through the music they produce. Quebec City’s Los does not disappoint in this department. The band is comprised of members of local touring bands, a decided advantage that shines in their first physical EP Romances.

“Ghost” has a grungy rock introduction that quickly blends into a more laid back surf vibe. It’s a shorter song at just over two minutes, so it’s over almost as quickly as it began.

I want so badly to believe “Nature Boy” is a tribute to Ric Flair – and to be fair, the song leans that way (though it could just be mind association on my part). There is a lot of attitude and bravado in this song, so it’s easily listenable by anyone who needs a little pep in his or her step.

“Jelly Spoon” has a sort of ethereal, saccharine feel, helped along by the guitar singing sweetly in the background. It’s a little difficult to make out some of the verse lyrics on first listen, but it’s clear that there are a lot of well-written words in this song so it’s worth the close listen. 

“The City” uses a call and response technique in the chorus, with deep voices counteracting the lighter tones and providing a really nice amount of contrast in the song. This song has, by far, the most energy of any song on the album – you can hear the passion here, as clearly as you can understand the chorus. 

This was, all in all, a nice listen. I like the form of surf alternative grunge rock that Los plays – it sounds different from what’s being played now, and that’s a phenomenally good thing. Romances woos the listener, dangling meaty support riffs and addictive vocals in front of our face for the short time that the songs are playing. 

If anything, I would suggest a longer EP – while the four songs show a decent range of skills, it seems as though they’ve only scratched the surface of their true potential. That said, this serves the purpose of an EP by getting the taste buds primed for the experience, and leaving the listener anxiously awaiting the next taste. Definitely give this a good spin.

Become A Fan