Founded in Framingham, Mass. in 2003, Loam is the do-it-yourself, indie-rock brainchild of multi-instrumentalist songwriter, Chris Rousseau. Loam's songs meld influences of radio-friendly pop (think Spoon, Tom Petty, R.E.M., early Cars), abrasive rock (Nirvana, Nick Cave, Jesus Lizard), and indie sensibility into a unique confection unlike anything in DIY music.
In an age where the term "independent music" has become synonymous with deliberate inaccessibility and soporific snooze, Loam has achieved something singular: a wide, energetic, accessible sound that still retains its DIY spirit.
Loam has just released their 4th record, "Nervous Grooming Gestures" on January 7, 2010. Check out the Music page for samples and links.
In 2007, Loam released the incendiary EP "Grief is Dead," which is, from start to finish, an authentic rock blitzkrieg. From the punishing groove "I'm Sold" to the Nirvana-esque spike of "Reverie Mine" to the haunting paean to escapism, "I Want To Say Goodbye," this EP is a thunderous tour-de-force with a consistent tone throughout.
In 2006, Loam released its 2nd LP, "Do the Amoeba," reflecting a pop influence without losing their signature, jagged urgency. It's an ambitious 14-track record that emphasizes Loam’s versatility in style and craftsmanship: the Jesus Lizard-like thunder of “Like Ivy”, the pulsating rush of the title instrumental, the plaintive, devastating “Westbound Window Daydream,” the pop gem, "Hey, I’m They"— each track is unlike any other, yet the whole somehow hangs together. The record showed that Loam can embrace a wide gamut of styles with aplomb and produce another addictive, highly re-playable winner.
Songs from the first 2004 record, "Hollowing Costumes," are dotted with footprints from many rock influences (Guided By Voices, Nirvana, REM, Breeders, et al), yet Loam's sound remains singular, combining a mix of rocking adrenalin shots, brooding introspection, and melodious unpredictability into a striking debut.