Loomer's debut album 'Love is a Dull Instrument' arrived on my desk in 2004, and although I loved the disc we had too many releases to deal with and passed on the opportunity to carry it. Two years on I still listen to the album, and when their new disc arrived I was determined to right the wrong and carry them both.
They're a Canadian 6 piece alt-country group fronted by Scott Loomer (who also writes all the songs), but there's a slightly different feel to most US alt-country output as this is more laid back (both musically and lyrically) and feels a little lighter than much of the guitar heavy bands in this genre. This is highlighted on 'Only Lovers; a beautifully delicate duet with Sarah Harmer which wouldn't be out of place on an acoustic singer/songwriter disc.
Most of the 12 tracks are melody led and work on the very first listen, and give the album instant appeal; combine these hooky melodies with Scott's relaxed delivery and the comparison with Bill Mallonee is an easy one to make and gives a good idea as to where the group are coming from.
Guitar led with piano, organ, bass and drums this is a pretty standard line-up, but there's real depth and layers to each song and this is much more complex and subtle than the alt-country tag suggests.
The quality of the writing and performances is high throughout, and there are many highlights with the best of them being 'Anastasia', 'Sunday Driver Down' and 'Only Lovers'. This (and it's predecessor) are both superb albums and two of the best discs in this genre to come our way. Highly recommended.

£12.49

ALSO
Loomer - Love is a Dull Instrument £12.49