The indie-rock trio Loma, featuring Shearwater’s Jonathan Meiburg and Cross Record’s Emily Cross and Dan Duszynski, follows-up their eponymous 2018 debut with their sophomore album Don’t Shy Away – a memorizing set of songs that primarily blends elements of dream pop and melancholic folktronica. In addition, the Don’t Shy Away arrangements are enhanced by samples and instrumentation (koto, clarinet, glockenspiel) that also give the album a tinge of worldbeat and ’80s art-rock vibes. Notable tracks include: the spare and hypnotic “I Fix My Gaze”; the slow-burning “Ocotillo”; and the propulsively rhythmic “Half Silence. Other powerful tracks include “I Fix My Gaze”; the dreamy space rocker “Given a Sign”; the harp and acoustic guitar lead title-track; the stark number “Thorn”; and the Brian Eno produced hymn-like closing track “Homing.” Don’t Shy Away is a compelling album and a gratifying and beautiful listen. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Emily Cross, Dan Duszynski, Low, Shearwater, Wye Oak