BE PROUD! BE LOUD! BE HEARD!
February 2004
LOATHE - ABORT / RETRY / FAIL
Loathe’s debut CD – a 6-track EP clocking in at just over
24 minutes – turned out to be everything I wasn’t expecting from a band
that likes to describes its music as ‘hatecore’. It does actually fall
in between nu-metal and hardcore, but stretches wide enough to embrace
elements of turntablism and electronica. The opening intro points to a
deep-set electro influence, the punctuating vocal samples paving the way
for the first track proper, Dig Your Own Grave. Its opening riff echoes
The Smiths’ How Soon Is Now (and a slight touch of Bawitdaba?), but the
real moshfest kicks in 30 seconds later, when Loathe bring on their
glorious noise!
Loathe are clearly influenced by the rap-metal hybrid and fashioned
along the same crossover lines as renowned bands such as Rage Against
The Machine or the harder-edged Blue Manner Haze. Their fusion of metal
sensibility, electronic lacings and Beast’s vocal angst-rap approach
also hints at the work of the lesser known Urban Dance Squad, Downset
and in some instances even Senser, particularly in the profusion of
socio-political angles in the lyrics. Further to these influences and
comparisons, Loathe apply heavier metal doses - a characteristic carried
forward from the band’s earlier direction, and one that gives the band’s
music a weightier appeal on the metal circuit. The overall result is
however cleverly balanced and trimmed, giving Loathe an edge that may
well attract more than just hardcore metalheads.
Loathe is: Beast on vocals, Kurt and Karl on guitars, Estelle on bass
and Bugi on drums.
Recommended weblink: www.totaloathe.com
