Loyal Lobos - “Criminals”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 2

Pairs Well With…Big Thief, Julien Baker, First Aid Kit

Loyal Lobos released a couple of singles to follow up her dreamy, soft pop debut EP The Fall, the most recent being the patient, sweeping new-wave haze of “Criminals”. Expected to be part of some sort of 2020 release, “Criminals” is a natural progression of the Los Angeles-based artist’s sound to keep adding dynamics with a subtle and warm touch. For something completely different, Loyal Lobos’ other 2019 single is a cover of Mercedes Sosa’s “Alfonsina y el Mar”, updating traditional Argentinian balladry with Loyal Lobos’ haunting, bedroom-rock/pop atmosphere. (Kevin McStravick)

2018 Review: Falling in the middle of a dream pop/alt country wedge, Loyal Lobos has a sound that in equally internal and external, heady and natural. “Dirt” uses rhythmic syncopation (she grew up in Colombia, hence a little more organic swing on the beat) and washed out guitar reverb to turn something comfortable into a subtle plane of adventurism that makes Loyal Lobos quickly stand out. Loyal Lobos’ debut track “The Fall” brings a little more guitar grit, but also pulls back - a nice use of tension and release in a genre that normally avoids that type of dynamic. Both of her tracks so far reflect on attractions gained and love lost and the emotionality in her lyrics transcends nicely to her music.