EP REVIEW - 'WAVES OF MIRAGE' BY LOOSE BRICKS
Loose Bricks are back with a new EP titled 'Waves of Mirage.' For fans who have followed the Mildura band for the past few years, it is a great introduction to the psychedelic/dream rock scene that Victoria has to offer.
With tunes that disperse some of the most diverse and progressive sounds, Loose Bricks is developing their sound into new areas with influences of RnB, psychedelic rock along with the original dream rock atmosphere of the band. This all comes from the evident lift in production on this new EP, which elevates the band to a more mature sound. The guitars, percussion and vocals hit you like waves, more extravagant than we have heard before. As the band takes you through the path their lives have taken, lyrically this is an incredibly personal EP.
No more evident than on the opening track 'Dead Roses', this song has shades of ‘I Wanna Be Adored’ by the Stone Roses. A grand opening to the EP that totally immerses you in the new sound that the band is developing. The song experiments with different distortions of the vocals and heavy glittery guitars. Lyrically, the song sets the tone for the EP - a journey down the path of life with pain, elation and fear all themes explored throughout Waves.
The EP features single 'Blink Of an Eye' which serving as a bridge to this step up in the band’s progression. 'Blink Of an Eye' describes the fallibility of our lives, willing us to indulge in this life and not be fearful. Musically, the band seem to have taken this message on, again using their new age production, which on the face is very reminiscent of their earlier work. With cleaner guitars and bigger melodies this song is one of a huge favourite on the record.
Check out Waves of Mirage on Spotify now!
'Winter Velvet' is where the band really begin experimenting with new sound. This song immediately jumps out with its slower pace and psychedelic RnB beat, tinged with these heavy high hats. The song is reminiscent of acts such as Toro Y Moi and his early work. This new sound is exciting to hear and the band fits this change brilliantly. Lyrically, the song explores safety and being set free, with this song the band seems to have been set free into a new sound.
The title track of this EP lowers the tempo again with an acoustic and very personal song. A sort of stopping point for the record, to remind the audience of the band’s roots. Although probably the least innovative song on the record, I think it is an important one with a message that is consistent with the record. 'Waves of Mirage' deals with the difficulties of taking life head on and the difficulties of having to say goodbye along this path.
The closing track on this record was the second single to be released for this record at the beginning of this year. 'Diamonds' is a return to the heavy dream rock roots of the band and is one of my favourite songs on the EP. A great closing song you see the similarities of this band to groups such as Sticky Fingers. 'Diamonds' really flexes the muscle of this new found progression of the group, especially at the end of the track there are sounds and tempo reminiscent of songs such as ‘Just for You’ from Sticky Fingers.
Overall, this record is brilliantly put together, a natural progression for the group that hopefully can help them take the next step to a larger album soon. The experiments with new sounds and the development of their roots are showing really encouraging signs for future projects.
If you love psychedelic/experimental rock, then we recommend that you check out Loose Bricks.The boys will be celebrating their new EP at The Leadbeater Hotel on Saturday October 2nd. Tickets are available here.
‘Waves of Mirage’ EP by Loose Bricks is out now