Lossline are a band I just keep coming back to. Sometimes, life takes over in its busyness, and other music prevails for a while. But then, perhaps when things have been a bit challenging, I realise I’ve been missing something important, a vital, down-to-Earth tonic for daily life. And so I return to Lossline’s back catalogue.
For me, their unique musical expression, and innovative but straightforward lyricism, really hits the nail on the head. Yes, I suppose it could be called sad, gloomy or depressive in some senses; but (as I’ve noted before), there’s just so much more there for the taking.
It’s been over 12 months since Lossline released their second album, the searingly moving ‘When I Look Out I See No Stars’, and I’ve really missed them. Now, they’ve revealed ‘Date Night’: a characteristically touching ballad, with a difference.
The song is ostensibly gloomy but in fact immensely inspiring, reflective and ultimately uplifting. It also marks a bit of a departure from some of their earlier releases.
‘Date Night’ tells the story of a confused night out - it’s a medley of interspersed and intriguing images which you can easily imagine waking up to. The kinds of memories which seem to emerge through the confusing fog of a morning after, along with, often irrational, paranoia and guilty feelings.
Musically, it all begins with a chiming, offbeat piano/synth riff which immediately sets up a dreams-meet-early morning atmosphere. The first dose of life-inspired lyricism appears quickly: “I didn’t catch your name, strained my ears to hear what you were saying”, before the tale of brief and confused encounters continues.
Then we’re in the thick of it. This is the territory which Lossline navigate with practised and strongly effective ease. Layered guitar, chord changes built on solid principles but sometimes veering deftly into surprise territory, chalky yet melodic vocals … It’s all so reassuringly real and yet touched by the ethereal.
The song unfolds in stages, allowing further glimpses of this real world story. Meanwhile, after a dose of acoustic guitar, the music explodes into a sudden and almost-unannounced peak, with a distorted electric guitar riff rushing in, and an enthralling bass-line appearing. Along with the now unexpectedly joyous vocals, there’s a wonderful image at this point of a cowboy hat flying into the air - it’s a perfect example of the juxtaposition of sad/happy imagery at which Lossline excel.
Who would have thought that two ordinary guys from Manchester could have such an impact; but they have done, and continue to do so. I thank God for people like them who lay their hearts and souls on the line, pour their energies into musical art, and share their everyday struggles with disarmingly humble honesty. By doing that, they have the capacity to allow others an escape, too.
Support Lossline by checking out and buying from their Bandcamp, or simply by listening to their music in all the usual places.