The Loud Bangs have returned with their highly anticipated debut full-length LP, ‘Mexican Astronomy’, following a two-year hiatus. After releasing a slew of EPs and receiving praise for their unique blend of shoegaze and dreamy pop, the band has shifted towards a more immediate, hook-driven sound that captures their growth and evolving artistry. Their new album moves beyond the ethereal noise that defined their earlier work, offering a more upfront and accessible energy while still maintaining their signature atmospheric style. With a collection of tracks that explore themes of love, loneliness, and anxiety, ‘Mexican Astronomy’ is an honest reflection of the band’s emotional depth and artistic vision.
The album opens with “Buried with Scissors”, which immediately sets the tone with its lush, distorted layers and hypnotic rhythm. The track is both dreamy and intense, showcasing the band’s ability to balance fuzzed-out guitars with melodic sensibility. “Next New Book” follows, blending infectious pop melodies with fuzz rock, a perfect example of their evolution. The track’s catchy chorus and rhythmic beats pull you in, while the introspective lyrics explore the complexities of self-doubt and moving forward. “Heat to Kill the Germ” brings a new level of energy, with pounding drums and gritty guitar riffs that drive the song forward. The track radiates raw power, injecting the album with a much-needed burst of urgency.
“Ow Ow” delivers a danceable groove that marks a departure from the band’s more subdued shoegaze roots. The upbeat, pulsating rhythm paired with catchy vocals showcases the band’s new direction, making it one of the album’s standout tracks. “Different Things in Different Towns” brings a return to their dreamy style, with its reverb-heavy guitar and atmospheric vibe, while still maintaining the album’s more direct and polished production. “In Motels” is a poignant and emotive track, with Alice Street’s vocals standing front and center, capturing the loneliness and alienation that permeates the album. “Why Do You Like Me?” is another track that expertly blends catchy melodies with a raw, honest vulnerability. The album closes with “Emily Cinnamon” and “Start Here”, both of which showcase the band’s newfound focus on songcraft, blending lush instrumentation with more straightforward, accessible structures. In all, ‘Mexican Astronomy’ is a striking and powerful LP that captures The Loud Bangs’ transformation while staying true to the essence of their sound.
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