★★★½

The Loon Lake story proper started from humble beginnings in 2009.

The time since has seen the Melbourne cast of five eventually evolve both above and under the radar, sharing bills with the likes of Girls and Cage The Elephant, among others who have earned a space on bedroom walls. Come 2015, the band publicised its amicable decision to hang up guitars on this six-year love affair. The division, however, would not be complete without unveiling one last parting gift.

Low Res was formed as a ‘back to basics’ vehicle, accumulating over six years of recordings to become Loon Lake’s second and final album. Ironically, this is the band’s most vibrant output to date.

Drums are notably brought out of the background here, an element formerly untapped in the band’s previous catalogue. ‘Maria’, ‘Radiator’ and ‘Surfin’’ aren’t just the most striking songs; their clever placement toward the beginning, middle and end throws the listener head-first into spurts of percussion.

The thrash attitude may be slightly bothersome for some, but it’s within the shifting dynamic outbursts that dominate Loon Lake’s aesthetic that the pleasures of this farewell can be found.

Loon Lake’sLow Resis released and availableindependently.

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