LOONS - Life Is (2025) Hi-Res

Among the bands that continue to make their mark in France, Loons stands out. The Montpellier trio has managed to make a name for themselves with a handful of EPs, establishing themselves in the current indie scene. Now, all eyes are on them, and it's time for them to make a powerful impact with their debut album, Life Is.

What makes Loons unique is simply their fusion of emo, grunge, and post-hardcore. And that's without even mentioning the signature sound of Amaury Sauvé, whose name needs no introduction, which the Montpellier trio brings to the forefront right from the start with tracks like "Among The Mourners" and "Fight Scene," where headbanging is more than just recommended. The sharp riffs, the high-energy rhythm section, and the emotional intensity of the vocals and screams: all the ingredients are there for a fiery, post-adolescent musical journey.

Life Is straddles the line between Deftones and the late Elliott Smith, with a touch of Nirvana and Quicksand—a testament to Loons' wide range of musical influences. And yet, the emotional charge remains as strong as ever, particularly with tracks like "Solar" and "Caramel Duck," notable for their underlying melancholy, which is counterbalanced by unstoppable anthems like "Now I Sigh," "Stef," and "To Your Core." It's in addressing the difficult transition to adulthood that they manage to move us like never before, especially in the final, cathartic moments of "KATAG" and "Spectre," heartfelt cries before concluding with the understated "No Bodies Glide."

With this debut album, Loons delivers on all its promises, offering music that is both cathartic and captivating, music that will resonate with us for a long time to come.