Loomis & The Lust

This is pure, fun, well written pop rock made by some really cool guys from the USA. Loomis & The Lust have this 60's surf SoCal vibe about them that cheers you up a little bit every time you listen. More importantly though, these guys don’t take themselves too seriously, and as a result they just kinda ooze coolness… Check out some tunes below or go to their Myspace here. Do it, they’re really good! - Alfitude

Check out this totally catchy song and hilariously clever video from a hot new band whose frontman, Will Loomis, has ADHD. I love this band! So well done! If you do, too, spread the word. You can hear samples from their latest CD and purchase it on Amazon here. (Below is the information on Will and the band from the press release.) - ADHD Roller Coaster

Loomis and The Lust came out of nowhere to grab my attention with this disc. It’s called Nagasha and it flat out moves! The music is packed with a great mixture of distorted and clean toned guitars, solid drum work and in-the-pocket bass groove, and melodic vocals that steer clear of the whining, sniveling sound that seems to assail the senses from most of the current pop rock bands. They travel a poppy road with a touch of harder edged rock, but by no means veering into the lanes of oncoming metal. Addictively catchy melodies swirl with a light hearted and fun-time attitude while incorporating a variety of musical styles, making Nagasha come across like the soundtrack for summer fun. It’s a sound that we’ve all heard before, the only difference is . . . these guys do really frickin’ well!

“Bright Red Chords” is just fun! As lead vocalist / guitarist, Will Loomis, states that the music is primal and hits his hips before his mind, it immediately becomes apparent that there’s no hidden socio-political message buried in the lyrics. It’s a song all about having fun with music . . . just the way it used to be when we would all gather around the turntable to enjoy the magic of recorded sound. Well . . . us older folk, that is. “Break on Love” suddenly shifts in mood and style, spilling out a fairly ballsy blues-y Stones-esque riff. This tune has some fantastic vocal harmonies, but what gets me with every listen is the break at the midpoint. The song goes from barroom blues to city funk, pushed into movement by some beautiful guitar work. Then there’s “Sweetness.” Man . . . talk about gum on the bottom of your shoe! The song is heavy in melody, has great dynamics, and is a well composed piece. Five songs long, Nagasha is a quick listen, but one that you’ll find yourself coming back to time after time. - Pope JTE - The Ripple Effect

Loomis & the Lust is a smart, lean and energetic band of twenty-somethings who look backwards through the lens of classic pop and rock while retaining a contemporary sound that steers blessedly clear of the dull guitar murk that passes for rock in the post-grunge era and vaults well past the soundalike mediocrity of indie-rock's ever-expanding purgatory.

Charismatic frontman Loomis' blond beach-boy good looks, intelligent eyes and assured demeanor are offset by unselfconscious head bobs and an endearingly goofy grin, suggesting a lucid and grounded alternate version of Fast Times at Ridgemont High's pupil-dilated Jeff Spicoli. Wielding slightly modified white-boy rapper gestures mixed with fist pumps scaled down to nightclub size, Loomis cuts a clean and likable figure whose easy, unassuming manner belies his potential to graduate to rock-star status.

of the individual songs the foursome currently offers. That isn't a bad thing - it signifies an honest-to-goodness band that isn't interested in simply being www.somebody's download of the week. The band's newer material is ample evidence that primary songwriter Will Loomis is just beginning to find the sweet spot among his myriad musical tastes. All that being said, though, the two-year-old band can already boast one bona fide pop A-lister, "Bright Red Chords." The two-and-a-half-minute song is an unabashed ode to the love of music - specifically, the analog variety. "Bright red chords, jet-black vinyl," Loomis sings, simultaneously addressing the tactile romance of a 33- or 45-rpm record and the intangible sonic delights contained within.

A salute to overdriven, adolescent-aimed hard rock that initially scans as an AC/DC send-up, "A.D.D." could ultimately become a youth anthem in its own right: it's a head-banging, only slightly tongue-in-cheek banner carrier for the short-attention-span generation to which anyone under 35, diagnosed or not, can likely relate.

What that says to this writer, whose age is easily double that of the average person in the smallish but warmly responsive crowd at Loomis & the Lust's Nashville gig, is that this band has hit on something that potentially has massively broad appeal. (That is to say, songs that can be savored at face value even by listeners who are blissfully unaware of, or who couldn't care less about, this week's - oops, next week's - pop culture zeitgeist.) At least one other oldster spotted at the show would concur, and one with far more credibility: '60s pop star and former VH-1 host Peter "Herman" Noone, who could be seen grooving out in the back of the club along with his daughter, an aspiring singer who (as L & L's manager confirmed) happens to be a friend of Loomis and a fan of the band.
This is Nashville, after all, where something extraordinary can always happen... even on a run-of-the-mill Wednesday night.
- Blurt Online

Loomis & The Lust - Space Camp

Loomis and the Lust sound a lot like what I imagine Collective Soul would if they reorganized themselves as an Outfield cover band. This isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it’s awesome.

Will Loomis sounds like a cross between Bob Schneider and the aforementioned Ed Roland, with more swagger than either, while the rest of The Lust back him up with some of the most solid classic rock and pop I’ve heard in a long time. This is music to swagger to, get into trouble with and play out of open windows.

The Space Camp EP is far too short, but it packs a lot of heat into it’s 15-minute running time. My favorite song, by far, is “Good Time Lover,” which I’ve included below.

Meanwhile, “Bright Red Chords” and “A.D.D.” do a great job showing the extent of Loomis and The Lust’s range. It’s no wonder these guys are picking up “artist to watch” kudos across the music sphere. Check the videos for both out after the jump and, if you’re interested, you can find the Space Camp EP on iTunes.

- The Round Table Online

We want more because whether it's the hit in the making, "Bright Red
Chorus," or the crunchy pop of "Break On Love," this band should really be a
household name within a year or two. Nagasha is a super impressive
introduction to a super mature and super tight band that shows Loomis and
the Lust are beyond ready to make the big leap - First Coast News

“Space Camp,” is the most recent mini-album from Loomis and the Lust, and after one listen I’m convinced that these are guys I wouldn’t mind hanging out with. Their sound is pure rock and roll that gets a little glammy in the solos, mixed with a hell of a lot of irony.

This is hysterically clear in their first track “ADD,” which chronicles the thought process of a dude with the namesake affliction. Half of Orange County kids have been popping Ritalin their whole lives, so this track feels extra poignant and knife-twistingly comical. The vocals are more like the impassioned chatting of Bob Dylan rather than real singing, but that quirkiness only adds to the appeal.

“Barbarella” is more about the vocals with cool choruses and bridge. It’s about love in space, which I just love on principal. There’s novas, space boots, and “interplanetary grooves” enough to make me smile and groove all at once. And if the ADD generation is still listening along, I’m sure they’re getting flashbacks to all those Zenon movies with their space tunes, and I’d never disparage a Protozoa reference.

The next track starts out sounding a lot like a B-52’s song got together with ACDC and had a little baby girl. “Bright Red Chords,” is simply about enjoying music on vinyl and feeling it from head to toe. A classic, almost vintage concept for a song that comes out sounding sweet but not saccharine.

“Good Time Lover” is next with silly synths, canned handclaps, and 80’s goodness. The vocals on this song are that sort of sleazy sing/whisper that characterize tunes from the era. If I thought these guys were taking themselves too seriously, this song would be weird, but by this point in the album it’s clear that these guys are kings of irony, so this song is both fun and funny.

Then “Move On” comes on and before the song has even started I’m feeling bummed that it’s the last track. It’s an unrequited love song featuring great guitar and bass parts with fun riffs and sustained power chord goodness. The vocals and backups on the chorus are so cute with the oo’s and whiny melody on “there’s nothing left to say to the one that got away.” It’s a heartfelt song presented in a totally catchy way.

If I have to have a criticism, it’s that there isn’t more of this album. I loved how Loomis and the Lust presented such a variety of songs, genres, and subjects in a way that was surprising and fun. It’s 70’s fab a lot of the time, but also so much more. Their tunes are clever and cool and if I ever saw them in person, I’d probably blush until I passed out. They’ve got a show coming up at USC on the 17th and if you can brave the University of Spoiled Children, you’re in for quite a treat. - The Live OC

Summoning everything from jangle-rock and Brit pop to blues, lead singer and guitarist Will Loomis is a masterful musical chameleon, conjuring the likes of Maroon 5 on pop confection “The One That Got Away,” Jim Morrison on acid-infused “You Will Be Mine” or Steely Dan on velvety rocker “Bright Red Chords.” That’s not to say he doesn’t possess a distinctive signature: whimsical midtempo “Barbarella” is wholly original, and worthy of launching the group to the masses. Loomis obviously perceives—and possesses—the recipe for colossal success. They’re pretty cute, too. - Jeffrey Henckels

Loomis and the Lust's debut EP Nagasha (now available on iTunes) may only be five songs and under fifteen minutes long, but that doesn't stop it from being a damn good listen. The album's opening track and first single, Bright Red Chords, is a simple but impossibly catchy song that starts out with a steady drumbeat that is joined by a few strong electric chords that make up the melody; An obvious classic rock influence, it's the kind of song that is easily associated with good times... I can only hope that they have an LP on the way because I can't get enough. - Crystal Chang

Loomis and the Lust’s debut EP Nagasha (now available on iTunes) may only be five songs and under fifteen minutes long, but that doesn’t stop it from being a damn good listen. The album’s opening track and first single, “Bright Red Chords,” is a simple but impossibly catchy song that starts out with a steady drumbeat that is joined by a few strong electric chords that make up the melody; An obvious classic rock influence, it’s the kind of song that is easily associated with good times. it gives me the urge to jump up and down, dancing with friends under the summer sun. The end of the song comes a little too quickly for me, but most good times usually do, I guess.

“Break on Love” has the same kind of fun energy. While the lyrics are repetitive, the guitar riffs show a lot of variance and the layering is more complex, saving it from feeling too similar to the first on the EP. The band switches it up on the slightly dark, slightly sensual track, “Sweetness,” of which Will Loomis’ voice dips lower than before and at times sounds downright suggestive. There’s almost a slight edge of menace to it.

“Cure For Sale” is soft and sweet, different than any of their other songs on the album. It’s a beautiful lazy day song, which I didn’t expect to receive from Loomis, and it made me appreciate the range they display in just four short songs. It is definitely a track that stands out from the rest.
The final song on the EP “Girl Next Door” is a return to the material they started out with. It’s got a good hook and speed, an area in which this band excels, so I’m glad they made their way back around. I can only hope that they have an LP on the way because I can’t get enough.

- Greenshoelace.com

Formed in 2008, Santa Barbara rockers Loomis & the Lust spin an infectious, groove filled coat of forgotten early 80's styled R&B rock (think Tommy Tutone or The Greg Kihn Band). On "Bright Red Chords", the band provides a jolt of needed rock and roll good times into the overly indulgent landscape of Gaga-era glam ram. We are looking for big things from this band as they have already garnered spots as a selection for Urban Outfitters, MTV and are working with hot producer Brandon Mason. - WhatsOnTheHiFi.com

When you hear a band has a “catchy” tune – you expect to hear something… well, “expected”. Something with a great beat, a singable chorus, maybe both. Usually it’s rooted in pop sound – something that has been done before. Enter – Loomis & The Lust, one of Santa Barbara’s most popular bands, putting their work into words best: “the band manages to avoid the obvious revisionist traps by blending their own brand of modernity with a hefty dose of old school funk and R&B.” Old school funk and R&B… in a catchy pop tune of today?? Crazy talk! That is, until you check out this band for yourself.

Perhaps even more shocking, this band ranges in only youthful age (18-24), including lead vocalist Will Loomis, Thomas Masker on guitar, Jeremy Berisha on drums, and Noah Babcock on bass. You may have heard the first single, "Bright Red Chords", off of their debut EP “Nagasha”, where the band says to “expect rock and roll the way it should be. Its dance oriented, it’s funky, and it’s something you might need to hide from your parents… Funky jungle beats, in the pocket bass lines, screaming guitars, and eagle cry vocals.” If you’re not interested, then there’s probably something seriously, seriously wrong with you.

While you can catch a lot of their live shows online, you need to see this band live. We’ve heard that fans tell them their live shows are better than sex… so I’ll be at a show myself soon. The band will be busy recording the next album even as they embark on a 40-college tour, so keep an eye out – they’re simply one of those bands on the verge of HUGE things. Get into the XXQ’s for a whole lot more.

http://www.penseyeview.com/content/loomis-lust
- Richie Friedman

Santa Barbara, California is home base for Loomis & The Lust, but after listening to their debut EP, Nagasha (July, 2009) I suspect they'll be spending a lot less time at home. With such diverse influences as The Kinks, The Animals, Chet Atkins, David Bowie, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Franz Ferdinand, Loomis & The Lust create an original brand of Rock N Roll with an honest affection for 1970's classic rock and a hook-laden philosophy straight out of the 1980's. Nagasha was produced by Brandon Mason (David Bowie, Secret Machines, Bono, The Edge), and features some of the catchiest, most danceable Rock N Roll of the year.

Nagasha opens with Bright Red Chords, a song that will lodge itself in your brain before you even know it's happened. The melody here has a universal feel, like something you've heard so many times you know it even as you hear it the first time. With a catchy, dance-inducing arrangement, Bright Red Chords will stick with you for a good long time. Break On Love has a classic, Blues/Rock feel and would fit right into an AOR playlist. Sweetness sounds like it could be a mix of The Wallflowers and Dave Matthews (solo), carrying a chorus that's unforgettable, while Cure For Sale slows things down a bit in a gentle rocker that entrenches in the Wallflowers sound. Cure For Sale may well be the most marketable song on the disc, likely having significant allure for the licensing world. Girl Next Door is a big, raucous blues-influenced rocker that sounds like it could be the basis for a movie. The theme here is a classic for Rock N Roll, and Loomis & The Lust show what they're really made of, using double entendre and testosterone-laden intentions for an amusing bit of musical confusion.

Loomis & The Lust take Rock N Roll back where it belongs in the five songs presented on Nagasha, blending deep classic rock roots with some of the zeitgeist of the 1980's and a modern twist. I suspect Loomis & The Lust will see a lot of commercial success in the licensing realm, although I am not sure where they fit in currently in the world of radio. From anything I have read about the band the live show is the thing. Loomis & The Lust seems to convert new fans every time they step on stage. Consequently, while I highly recommend you check out Nagasha, I would urge you to make a point of seeing Loomis & The Lust if they come to your town.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)
http://wildysworld.blogspot.com/2009/08/review-loomis-lust-nagasha-ep.html
- Wildy's World Blogspot

Upon first listen of their music I was immediately charmed by the beats. They have sound that is reminiscent of 70's rock with a fun and funky groove that will get you "dancing to the beat." It is no wonder the Californian quartet has made a splash on the music scene garnering major attention. - Eat Sleep Breath Music