Loop - RFD

When they first started, I kinda looked down on them as imperfect Spacemen3 clones (hey, so did S3, so I thought that was alright) even though a lot of my friends actually preferred them, on the basis of the pure psychedelic pop of stuff like Spinning. The first time I bought a Loop record, I was actually told by the record store owner "Oh, no, you can't buy this, you're a Spacemen3 fan!!!". I thought Heavens End and World In Your Eyes were pretty, but non-spectacular compared to S3 and JAMC, who did the feedback thing so far more effectively.

And then with Fade Out, all of a sudden Loop started to get heavy. REALLY heavy. Where S3 were disappearing happily into synthesisers (hey, no complaints from me) and gospel music, Loop were mutating into this ultra-heavy, ultra-black almost heavy metal band, like they'd take one Sabbath riff and play it over and over and over until it got blacker and heavier and so thick that it was collapsing in upon itself. This is where you end, this is where you fall. They were obsessed with endings, with anihilation, not with transcendance.

Other shoegazer bands were trying to transcend, and blast off into heaven in a haze of ethereality; Loop hammered at the same plot until they wore down the earth and sank into the molten centre of lava, they were so heavy that they threatened to collapse in upon themselves like black holes. They did Can covers that were even more obsessive-compulsive than the original.

Oh my god, the Thief Of Fire/Motherfucker EP, each track more and more intense and heavier until you thought that the needle would go right through the vinyl.

And then Guilded Eternity. The first time I heard it, I didn't like it. Where were the tunes, man? Where were the gorgeously sticky dribbles from the mouth of melody? But I kept at that album until it wore me down, and suddenly I had no NEED of melody. No one could compare this to Spacemen3 anymore, it was far more into Sonic Youth territory (this was back when Sonic Youth were still making machine music). Bloody infernal drums like dark satanic mills, three note bass patterns that went on and on and on relentlessly, not like S3 with their gorgeous lovely climbing melodic basslines and almost nonexistent drums.

And the guitars ... restraint? I don't know that that is the word I'd use, but I know what you mean. The guitars seemed focused inward, they didn't want climb out into outer space, they wanted to bore a hole right through into your soul. And vocals? Robert couldn't sing. Who cares? They were better when he didn't sing, or just sort of whispered. Or eschewed vocals entirely in favour of Apocalypse Now samples.

I don't want to investigate the solo projects; little I've heard even comes close.

In fact, I barely have any Loop with me any more. Most of it is on vinyl in storage at my mum's house, the only thing I have here is a CD of their Peel sessions - which is still bloody incredible.

Lots of bands owe a debt to Loop, which is often misatributed to Spacemen3, or worse, to Mogwai. But I think they were just too heavy for the light-and-frothy effects era Shoegazing; they had more in common with Black Sabbath than with Cocteau Twins.

Sorry, I'm rambling on. But yes, I love Loop.

Kate's general outline of the band's progression sez it all, so I'll just add that the Peel Sessions collection, Wolf Flow, is one monstrous motherfucker of an album. The version of "Straight Into Your Heart" on that one just...it defies description. Ten minutes of compressed evil death zone march (the Black Sabbath comparison is very appropriate, indeed). If you had to start somewhere, start with that.

Much as I love Loop, I'm actually even more of a Main fan -- the obsession with rhythm as much as drone on those albums has made some seriously disturbing listening for me over the years, the more so because the rhythms aren't overbearing, but just build up in a variety of ways from any number of sources. After a certain point you hear them and not the feedback shadings first and foremost. Also check out Hampson's work as Chasm and the stuff he did with Godflesh on Pure, not to mention the out-of-nowhere production job for Amp on Stentorette.

It's funny, too, even though they sometimes get lumped in with space- rock bands, the references they do make to space aren't your usual planetarium "look at the expanse of infinity" twaddle; no, instead, they sample 2001: A Space Odyssey - specifically, the parts when Hal is losing it. What a cheery bunch.

I just realized something: there is absolutely no space (no "space", either) in Loop's music. In fact, there's not even any breathing room. Theirs is some of the most suffocating music I've ever heard.

Spacemen 3 is the superior band by $80.

Regardless of the degree of similarity, or the going rates of their records at second-hand shops, Loop obliterated Spacemen 3.

I saw them twice but both times were marred, the first time they were supported by Kevin Martin's God who were so loud and unpleasant that I ended up drinking five pints of beer and smoking a few doobies and so was barely concious for Loop. And my main memory of the seocnd time they played was some asshole climbing on to the top of the speaker stacks and diving 30 feet, army-boot-clad-feet first on to some poor guy who went down like chopped wood.

But their glorious molasses thick sound was awesome. And they split up before becoming shit so there's not a bad record out there. And even the Hair & Skin Trading Company and Main both did interesting stuff.

Closest living relative is probably Bardo Pond if you Loop fans are jonesing for a fix.

VENGEANCE! Or something. ;-)

I was sufficiently intrigued to invest in a vinyl copy of...some Loop album or other (maroon sleeve, long hair) a while back. Listened to it once, it reminded me of Swervedriver, not heard it since. Save me.

Soundhead
Straight to Your Heart
Rocket USA
Collision
Thief of Fire/Thief (Motherfucker) - (combined)
Black Sun
Torched
Vision Stain
Got to Get It Over
Arc-Lite (Sonar)
Vapour
Afterglow
The Nail Will Burn
Shot with a Diamond
Arc-Lite (Radiated)

(79:50)

I think Robert Hampson plays on both sides as he was in both bands at the time.

(OK, HSA claims that Robert is a miserable bastard, but don't pay attention to this bit.)

Sonic Boom now runs an ashtray stall at Saddington car boot sale near Leicester.

still having trouble?

anyone thinking this is a joke? sadly its not, i've seen mr kember with a stall at saddington carboot sale...when i saw him it had more plastic toys than ashtrays though...

I've STILL got "Fade Out" on CD (though actually toying with selling it a few times) and because of this thread, I will be pulling it out as soon as the new Crispy Ambulance CD stops playing on my boom box.

My main impression of Loop live is NIRVANA, literally. I saw them at the old 930 Club location in D.C. and this was before Nirvana hit it big and some idiot decided that Nirvana would be a good band to open for Loop. I found the whole thing very sad because there was a whole lot of crowd mania for Nirvana and then a quarter of the people left, leaving Loop as some footnote, like they weren't important at all. I just thought "oh here I go, being the lonely anglophile again"

I thought Gilded Eternity was disappointing when it came out, but it kindof grew on me. DAMN I wish I had it with me now instead of all the way across the country on vinyl at my parent's house.

Next to Loop I don't give a fuck about Spacemen 3.

Can someone make me a CDR?

I wish people wouldn't call Loop "shoegazer". Loop are about as shoegazer as Coldplay.

yay! someone i agree with!

that 1st H&STCo isn't dreadful, but it does sound tentative. i think they just couldn't decide whether to be Can or Cop Shoot Cop. Roli Mosimann's production just overwhelms any personality that more confident music might have expressed. took me forever to get around to Over Valence, but it's much better. like a poppier Loop or maybe a testosterone-fueled Electrealane. there's a H&STCo. 7", Crouch End, on Aquese(?) that's pretty good, more of a Splintered/Husk sound. Psychedelische Musique (Lava Surf Kunst) was assembled in the manner of Faust Tapes and works both as homage and as a damn good listen. have they done anything since as H&STCo? i know John Wills works closely with (wife?) Pinkie Maclure. their latest project, Lumen, turned in one of the most memorable album debuts of 2003, This Day and Age. lovely stuff.

what have Nigel Webb and Neil Mackay been up to?

and what did Savage Opera sound like?

I can't believe how many times I thought I would sell this CD. I think I tried to once, but the store wouldn't buy it. I didn't mind the music on the CD, but I had been more of a fan of their earlier work, and this was a departure from that. I can't believe in all these years it's never left my posession. I can actually take the production better. Heavens End just sounded so treble-heavy when I tried to play it again recently.

Man, all this thread talk has me jonesing. Excuse me, I'm going to blast that there "Straight To Your Heart" from Wolf Flow now...

Not ready yet, but soon
www.olidgol.com

I saw them live lots of times and they were terrific. One time in particular I will never forget was at the QMU in Glasgow. The PA didn't show up so they did the set on a bare stage, totally instrumentally. Mind-blowing!

I remember my indie chums derided them as heavy metal, but I went straight out and bought "16 Dreams". I was totally into the whole Chelsea Boots, stand-up drummer, psychedelic background thing.

I sort of lost them a bit after Fade Out, but rediscovered them again after many years and listened again to A Gilded Eternity, which is a classic.

ha, i was there as well! there was a really good show later on at the Tech, "From Centre To Wave" was so loud my ears hurt for days afterwards.

I'm trying to find Wolf Flow on s!sk, but having no luck.

What killed my interest was seeing them live around '90 - '91 at Maxwell's in Hoboken. They were just so serious, droning on and on - and this from a Swans/Godflesh fan! What summed it up for me was when they blew the power three times in a row and started the same song over again each time it was interrupted, like a pack of dullard robots. They even managed to make strobe lights boring.

Although I must say this thread has peaked my interest in hearing Wolf Flow / A Gilded Eternity....

You don't need the latter part of that statement.

As said way upthread. For myself, I finally got said third one the other week -- quite good, actually at points comparable to where Main were at mid-nineties, ironically enough. But not entirely, and with their own particular approach. Now I need to investigate these other side projects from HaSTCo that are mentioned elsewhere...

http://differentwaters.blogspot.com/

Scroll down a bit and get stuck in.

Incidentally, how does one use winrar (or whatever it's called) without it fucking up one's winzip? I mean, this some crazy shit.

God, I love Loop.

huh?

in winzip there may be a 're-associate winzip with these file types', check that box. ('options menu - configuration - system tab' on mine).

so, where to start with loop? (i have wolf flow)

I mean, normally I'd say Fade Out should be the starting point, but knowing your tastes, I think you'd like the... prettier, more psychedelic stuff at the beginning.

Your winrar explanation makes sense.

This happened some time ago, it's not now. I just wonder whether I dare try winrar again.

I think I should give it a go.

I have one of those little memory sticks so that I can download things at work to supplement my meagre income.

the wimpier stuff you mean? why i oughta...

Hmm, the one time I saw them live, they were all "oh no, I've got a really bad cold, ok?" like Neil from the Young ones.

Good grief, what was this store? My family lives in Carmel and who knows what else might be tucked away there.

As for inaudible vocals, well, that's kinda the way Robert sung then!

Anyway, welcome, but a tip -- don't say "I didn't read the rest of the thread responses" or anything like that. Actually *read* them first. We're here to help. ;-)

"31.10.06. Loop reissues
I'd like to announce, after much pleading, badgering, coercement etc. from many (THANK YOU!), that I am finally putting the wheels into motion on a LOOP Reissue programme. No formal plans have been made as yet, it is very, very, very early days and it may take some time, but the intent is there after all this time. Seeing that 2007 will mark the 20th Anniversary of the release of HEAVEN'S END, I feel I have no excuses left to leave the material out of print. Hopefully, a full and extensive remastering process will be involved, but that's all I can say right at this moment. I will certainly keep you all up to date with further postings... "

omg, got this album in the post today and am currently listening to it! to quote nathan barley, coincimental!

I have teh dronerock cred! Nyeah!

(But it, with all my vinyl, is still in storage at my mum's house. Bah.)

I will probably get all the reissues anyway. Coz I'm sad like that.

especially since i slept on the early releases (though i did get much of them as cutout casettes for $1 each - thank you coconuts).

Heaven's End was/is a great album and was my soundtrack to many a hazy evening. That meld from Too Real To Feel to Fix to Fall still gets me!
There really was something about LOOP - I travelled from Dublin to London a couple of times to see them play and their gigs were like an open invitation to space out. great light show too.

My girlfriend at the time was particularly upset about how excited i got at laying my hands on a gorgeous pink sleeved World in Your Eyes album.She didn't undersatnd my enthusiasm and I can only guess that she wished I'd show the same level of enthusiasm and childish excitement toward her. Needless to say, she's now an ex.

Anyway, glad to see that LOOP continues to inspire such enthusiasm from new listeners. If it's worth anything, I too would love to hear a remasterrd Heaven's End, (if you ain't hearing it on vinyl you're probably ain't hearing it at its best) but that's just being picky.

Trust me, you've found the right board for it (and welcome!). I admit I was hoping this was more about the reissues!

Any news on the reissues?

Look, I really can't stand it. There's got to be a better place to post about Loop than the goddamn "best shoegazing band" thread. I mean wtf?
They were the fucking shit though. Oh yes they were. Do you know what I really think about them is that they predicted American grunge. Yep. I'm serious. They knew exactly where it was all going to go. Come on damnit, Loop. They make me feel like I'm 16 again for sure.

So yeah...predicted American grunge. Anyone wanna take me on? Let's argue about it, if need be. I'm ready.

Also the goddamn ARC LIGHT 12"

Does anyone remember "Arc Light"? Jesus won't one person tell me they remember that riff.

I remember "Arc Light"...I still have the CD single...there was a "radar" and a "sonar" version, or something like that...truly awesome riff...I do kinda like the flip, "Sunburst", a little more though...

I actually like "Arc-Lite (Radiated)" most of all.

I always thought this band was seriously underrated in the weeklies. I noticed a kind of hostility towards Loop and they always seemed to lump them in with Spacemen 3 which I didn't really understand (always preferring Sonic, Jason and co.). Sonic also seemed to hate them (some story about them ripping off his idea).

Spacemen and Loop, both great bands, no need to fight over it, Sonic... :)

There was some actual bad blood re: ripoff accusations! Elvis T. can tell the story.

the hostility was mutual, as I recall in interviews back then...I wonder did they ever rumble?

Loop were awesome.
whats the difference between the tracks "the nail will burn" and "the nail will burn (burn out)" from the Gildered Eternity?
is it a joke?

oh, it's prob a different mix (very slightly), a bonus track that doesnt appear as such in my cd version at least

from the same area and sound, i waqs impressed by Strobe, like the psychedelic version of Loop. Sea Beyond the Sun was awesome.

and also Sun Dial.
Return Journey,what a record.

main > loop

kinda interested in the heaven's end reissue as thats their only good one :3

shuddup

main > loop

true, though.

ok fade out is good too

I don't remember a band called Strobe at all.

about Strobe:

http://www.psychedelic-music.net/pmdb/db3/db_band.php4?id=127

There was some actual bad blood re: ripoff accusations! Elvis T. can tell the story.

The Spacemen 3 book touches on this in some detail - the story is that Hampson was working in the same studio where SP3 were recording at and helped himself to (for lack of a better description) SP3's public image. Instead of being just another band that listened to Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth, Husker Du, and all the latter day SST that everyone was namechecking, Loop recast themselves as "cooler" MC5/Krautrock/Suicide heads and got themselves a record deal and the cover of Melody Maker before SP3 did.

'mother sky' cover is nice

I actually can't really think of any Loop I don't like!

I suppose there are Spacemen 3 moments I like more, but they're far less consistent (or monotonous if you're not feeling very generous).

main > loop

See, I don't get this. Everything I've heard by Main was boring (to me) ambient drone. Loop was droney, but they rocked. I got into Loop when I first started driving, and will for the rest of my life associate Heaven's End with riding around in my car - just blasting the shit out of that tape over and over.

xpost- never really got into Spacemen 3 either.

It seems like Spacemen 3 were more well-liked, though, and I never could understand that. I found them pretty boring most of the time.

They're both good, but Spacemen 3 has this ... personality. Loop's always been kind-of faceless to me.

Loop's facelessness was part of the appeal! I love their strange anonymity, even Robert doesn't seem like he's entirely there.

junkie != personality

i like a gilded eternity now. i want reissues

for those interested...

"Loop News

Dear All,

The Loop reissue program has finally found it's feet and there will new remastered versions of Heaven's End, Fade Out, The World In Your Eyes out on REACTOR in late 2008.
All of these have been commercially unavailable since 1991 on any format."

down in the comments:
"I will do my best and try and contact Clawfist, if they are OK with it, then it'll be on - but please be aware that it will ONLY be the Loop cover of Like Rats, the Godflesh cover will have to surface somewhere else, like on a Godflesh comp."

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=88715813&blogID=409573350&Mytoken=5712B5F8-7C93-42ED-8B6B4AC125C6EC7472521234

WELL HELL YEAH

also time to put my copy of loopflesh on ebay har har

Holy shit they really are doing reissues??? Wow. Too bad A Gilded Eternity isn't one of them.

LOOP announce re-issues of long out of print back catalogue

REACTOR in conjunction with FORTE DISTRIBUTION is very happy to announce an overdue reissue programme of the long out of print albums / material by British band, LOOP.

Remastered from the original analogue sources, the first 2 releases, ‘Heaven’s End’ and ‘Fade Out’ will be released as double discs on 17th November (via Forte) and housed in a mini vinyl style card sleeve, reproducing the original artwork. Both albums will be also be made available digitally for the first time.

The band’s further two albums, The World In Your Eyes, and Gilded Eternity are currently being re-mastered for release next year with The World In Your Eyes being released as a 3 volume CD set, and Gilded Eternity as a double CD.

All due care has been taken to release everything that is available in some chronological order, though sadly a couple of tapes have been too badly damaged or lost to make a complete edition, but these will be the definitive editions...there won't be any 'special editions' to rip you off with, that's a promise.

Both albums will be released with re-mastered extra material from the relevant chronological time frame as the main album: The album in its entirety on CD 1, with the bonus tracks (including relevant Peel session material from the time) on CD 2, the bonus material will be available on CD formats only.

The LP versions of the albums will be released on a limited run as 180gr pressings in 2009.

Haha, I was just about to post that. But you didn't post the rest of the press release. ;-)

---

A Few Words from Robert Hampson….
For the past few days, I have been attending to the re-mastering of Heaven's End. You will be pleased to hear that all went very well, the original master tapes were in very good shape and with the aid of the genius who is Kevin Metcalfe, got everything to sound very ship shape for the CD reissue. In fact, it's probably never sounded so good.
So, for the Heaven's End reissue, a 2 CD set will be issued with the original album on CD1. CD2 will feature the only true outtake from the H E sessions, Rocket USA. Also found from the archive are two different mixes of Soundhead and Head On which have never been released in any form before, and rounded up with the first John Peel Session.

I have tried to keep everything in these reissues relative to the time frame and situations they were developed in, chronologically speaking, so I hope you will forgive if some 'extra/bonus' material seems scant. But, in all truth, there really was not that much - we never did outtakes and the like, never had the time or the money for excessive studio times. But I can reassure you that all is being done to make everything that is there available and to sound the best it ever has for CD

Fade Out has also now been remastered and sounding very good it is too! Again, the reissue will be a two CD set, with Fade Out on CD1. CD2 will include the 2nd Peel Session and 4 different mixes of Fade Out material.

There were some 5 demos of Fade Out recorded at The House In The Woods studio, but I'm afraid the master tape of these has long since disappeared, I can't even track down a cassette copy.
Robert Hampson August 2008

TRACKLISTINGS
HEAVEN'S END - CD1
Soundhead
Straight To Your Heart
Forever
Heaven's End
Too Real To Feel
Fix To Fall
Head On
Carry Me

HEAVEN'S END - CD2
Rocket USA
Soundhead (1st Mix)
Head On (1st Mix)
Soundhead (Peel Session 1)
Straight To Your Heart (Peel Session 1)
Rocket USA (Peel Session 1)

FADE OUT - CD1
Black Sun
This Is Where You End
Fever Knife
Torched
Fade Out
Pulse
A Vision Stain
Got To Get It Over

FADE OUT - CD2
Black Sun (Feedback)
Torched (1st Mix)
Got To Get It Over (1st Mix)
This Is Where You End (House In The Woods Demo Mix no. 7)
Pulse (Peel Session 2)
This Is Where You End (Peel Session 2)
Collision (Peel Session 2)
Fade Out Guitar Loops I, II, III, IV, V (House In The Woods Recording June 88)

Where is "Thief Of Fire" cover version band?

Look in the post before mine -- that's due next year.

(At least I presume -- three CDs worth for The World In Your Eyes sounds pretty extensive!)

psyched. i wish i knew what the deal was with the "prisma uber europa" 12" we have at my station was. what i'm really saying is i want the extra-long version of "burning prisma" to turn up on one of these discs.

I still love Loop. And Main, FWIW.

I recall that they released a Can cover as a non-album track, either as a single or a b-side. Anyone remember which song that was? I'd like to go track it down again.

mother sky

thx

Aaaah, the wasp in a jamjar guitar tone on that version of Mother Sky. Beautiful.

Who hasn't covered "Mother Sky" these days? The reissues should be good, though. Even though I won't buy them since I have the albums.

Slight delay on the reissues: http://www.heavensend.org/news/index.html

September 13, 2008. Loop reissues delayed
The album were due for releases on October 8th, but now have been delayed to problems with the artwork. They will now be released on November 17th.

that better be some fine-ass muthafuckin' artwork!!

Robert talks Loop with the Quietus

A telling bit re: the breakup:

There’s reasons I don’t want to go into it. It was very difficult to move into Hydra Calm [Main’s first release], and what became the Main stuff. That’s where I wanted Loop to go and I was finding it very hard to think about that in a rock band format. It’s very hard to tell a drummer who is a very very good drummer not to drum.

Comments hilarious.

All y'all saw this, rite?
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=159265653

Friday, October 10, 2008

A GUILDED ETERNITY REISSUE

A Gilded Eternity Re-Master

Hello all,

Please find the full track listing for the A Gilded eternity re-mastered cd set - due out in early 2009

CD 1

Vapour
Afterglow
The Nail Will Burn
Blood
Breathe Into Me
From Centre To Wave
Be Here Now

CD 2

Free 7" Giveaway Versions:
The Nail Will Burn (Burn Out)
Shot With A Diamond

Peel Session Three:
From Centre To wave
Afterglow
Sunburst

House In The Woods Demo:

Arc-Lite
Breathe Into Me
Vapour
The Nail Will Burn
Be Here Now

OK, news on the very extensive The World In Your Eyes Re-master to follow soon

Hope this finds you all well and swell weekends to the lot of you

as ever...

R.

*****************************************************

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

THE WORLD IN YOUR EYES REISSUE

The World In Your Eyes Re-mastered
Dear All,

Notes:
All re-mastered from the original sources with the exception of Collision/Crawling Heart/Thief Of Fire/Thief (Motherfucker), sadly due to the original masters going AWOL - or I suspect, STOLEN.
But, they still sound a damn sight better on CD than they did, so not all is lost.
Same with Pink Moon and Cinnamon Girl - they have also suffered the same fate, but as in everything, you can't have it always your own way.

Still waiting on the Like Rats master, but we are told that it's safe - just 'somewhere'...
and NO! Justin Broadrick does not play on it.
Spinning parts 1 & 2 are the edits of the split side 7" - we wanted to sound like Television Little Johnny Jewel crossed with Fripp on Heroes...bless us in our naivety.
Arc-Lite (Radiated) is from the original 7" B-Side - Daniel Miller wanted us to sound more like NEU!... bless him in his belief.

Head On from the 1st Loop demo was beyond saving, due to damage to the master - but how many more versions of that fucker do you need?

OK - uptightanouttasight

Best

R.

CD 1

16 Dreams
Head On
Burning World
Spinning (Parts 1&2)
Brittle Head Girl
Deep Hit
I'll Take You There

1st Loop Demo - House In The Woods:
Brittle Head Girl
Burning World

Spinning (Spun Out) Good Feeling Compilation

CD 2

Collision
Crawling Heart
Thief Of Fire
Thief (Motherfucker)
Black Sun
Circle grave
Mother Sky
Pink Moon
Cinnamon Girl

CD 3

Arc-Lite (Sonar)
Arc-Lite (Radar) Daniel Miller remix
Sunburst
Arc-Lite (Radiated) Daniel Miller remix

Prisma Uber Europa Promo Live 12":
Afterglow
Got To Get It Over
Burning World

Like Rats (Loopflesh) ?

OK, that's that...

What with this lot, the MBV stuff, and then World Dom in the pipeline, surely the God reissues can't be far behind.

The bonus track pairings with the original album tracks are so odd! However, I'm not complaining and look forward to hearing everything (although I may play them in different order). Also, "Arc-Lite (Radiated)" is AWESOME.

heaven's end and fade out reissues sound great

esp. the guitar loop tracks on fade out disc 2

Super wanting. Esp Gilded Eternity.

Apparently we'll have to wait till Feb/March or thereabouts for them though. At least, that's the last I heard.

Any further info on A Gilded Eternity or The World In Your Eyes? Love the first two reissues...

Looks like February slipped into March. Here's hoping they appear this month.

Why has Louis never heard Loop before?

too many bands

Don't bother, LJ.

Oh my god, are you kidding? I was going nuts over Arc-Light at the gym last week. I decided to listen to them on my run right after Red Lorry Yellow Lorry and it worked great. Loop forever!

Collision, Arc-Light, Black Sun, Thief of Fire (Motherfucker) - all these are Grade A wig-shakers.

libcrypt is wrong

Pfunk, would you say they were harbingers of stoner metal?

no

LOLOLOLOLOL

you did ask

*snap*

oh bootches, what hath ILX wrought

Bimble's gone Loop-y

Amazon is listing May 26th for the reissues of A Gilded Eternity and The World In Your Eyes. Whoo-hoo!

http://archivedmusicpress.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/loop-on-the-cover-of-melody-maker-12th-november-1988.jpg?w=418&h=563

I have the sudden urge to hear the title track to Fade Out. I think that's the riff that's in my head anyway...we shall see.

Yep, title track to Fade Out, this is it. Oh yeaaaah maaaaaaaan.

Amazon is listing May 26th for the reissues of A Gilded Eternity and The World In Your Eyes. Whoo-hoo!

This Tuesday.

Four days to go...

I'll be at my local record store at 9am with money in hand; so excited!

I broke down and ordered all four reissues from Aquarius, cannot wait for that package to show up!

The first two are fucking great. Will be picking up the new ones this week as well.

ARRRGH. Just got an e-mail from Aquarius, they're out of one of the first two reissues from last year, so now I have to wait until that comes back in to hear any of this stuff. Dammit! I've also got the new Dino Jr and the new Wooden Shjips in that order.

Bugger! The reissue of A Gilded Eternity didn't make it to Maine. Was anyone else able to get a copy?

However, The World In Your Eyes did make it, and is absolutely fabulous despite lacking in information (just tracklisting and recording dates; what ever happened to liner notes?).

How does "Collision" sound??? Hampson said he could not locate the masters but said it sounds better anyway.

"Collision"sounds great; whatever source he was able to use must have been good. No obvious difference between it and the other tracks, at least through my stereo speakers. Might notice something listening later on headphones.

'Collision' is the one song I'm *really* looking forward to hearing again after selling the vinyl years ago.

One of the great EPs of the late 80s.

Yeah sure, 'Thief of Fire' etc. What a great format the EP was back then - AR Kane, Band of Susans, Loop, MBV...

Bugger! The reissue of A Gilded Eternity didn't make it to Maine.

Same goes for Texas...

I'm thinking it just didn't come out Sateside. Hope the delay is short.

I think it's on Reactor like the other three... I think just delayed?

I ordered them both from Aquarius and got an e-mail that they had both set aside for me, they were actually just waiting for one of the older reissues to get back in to send my order out. So apparently a few places got it.

Heard Fade Out for the first time yesterday and holy shit its good.

Yeah, that's the one to get, I reckon.

I reckon you need them all. Really.

Yeah, probably. Saw them on the Fade Out tour and it was all long-hair and loudness, thick smoke and strobes, and then those guitars just flailing out and ripping holes in the fog. Good times.

That sounds awesome. Sadly, I never got to see them, living in the sticks of the States when they were a going concern.

ATP or someone else with some influence needs to get a Loop reunion going...

How the FUCK have I never heard their version of Mother Sky before?

Just ... wow.

Actually, the better question is: how the fuck have I listened to so little Loop at all? One of those terrible teenage oversights that I've never quite made up for. I should try harder, I guess.

you've got a lot of things you've done wrong lately, grimly!

I've got a lifetime of 'em, dude. But surely listening to Loop is doing something right?

Cheers, anyway :)

as i've mentioned elsewhere, i spun my copy of a gilded eternity (only loop i know) @ 33rpm for a few years before noticing 45 RPM on the labels...

moral: you can listen to loop and still be doing something wrong :)

"However, The World In Your Eyes did make it, and is absolutely fabulous despite lacking in information (just tracklisting and recording dates; what ever happened to liner notes?)."

How about credits for all the freakin' covers? Music is great though and it's dirt cheap for a 3CD set (packaging is weak so I guess that's part of it.)

My package with all four of these reissues is due to arrive Friday! Can't wait.

Still hoping A Gilded Eternity shows up here one of these days...

It's arrived in my local shop. Will pick up soon.

I've got to call around tomorrow.

A Gilded Eternity finally made it to Maine today. Feels odd retiring my cassette version, but time marches on. I will say that nearly twenty years with a well-played tape means it is odd hearing these songs at the proper tempos without warping and slowdown.

My package ended up being delayed a couple days, but I now hold all four reissues in my hands. Cannot wait to dig into these. I still have only heard the odd song or two, but after hearing all the samples on Aquarius' website... I knew I needed this band in my life.

I can't imagine just discovering Loop and having these reissues at hand. I hope you enjoy, and have something light and fluffy to detoxify with.

Yeah, I'm really excited to dig in. I've always had Spacemen 3 pushed at me as THE band of this ilk to know and love, but I just really haven't been able to get excited about them. Loop, however, wow. The handful of songs I've heard have pushed a lot of the right buttons.

^ Yup: that's exactly how it is here. Just fucking fantastic.

Is there a Main thread? Hampson's post-Loop work is really underrated IMO.

I guess there is:

Search and Destroy: Main and related projects

a diamond bullet right thru the forehead

Was listening to the World In Your Eyes reissue the other day and loving it all over again.

You should be listening to World In Your Eyes everyday Ned. The other day is just not gonna cut it!

I've now made it through the three main albums and bonus discs and am still totally enthralled with this band. There have been so many highlights its hard to choose my favorite at this point, but I believe I'd have to mention the third Peel Session on A Gilded Eternity as a particular high point. I love the production on those tracks and I really like the texture of those three songs. Reminded me a lot of Jesu. Ready to dig into the The World In Your Eyes reissue next.

Time to fish out the Loop CDs again. That live album needs some more props.

The version of "From Centre to Wave" on there is currently doing my head in.

I hope that in the 20 year revisionist reshuffle of this scene, Loop and Thee Hypnotics come out ahead of Spaceman 3.

It'll take a mighty revision indeed for that to occur.

Can anyone give a comparison between these and the original vinyl? People are saying that they sound great (and I'm sure they do), but are they better than the old LPs? Sorry if I've missed such a comparison, but I think I've only seen references to CDs (and I confess to having skimmed). I've read Hampson talking about how the mastering is better, so I'm interested how they compare. And they're going for 9 pounds on Amazon UK

i would be interested to know this as well. why did everything sound so bloody terrible and stuffy back then?

well, I think a lot of things sounded different back then, as I had a very crappy stereo system as a teenager.

I just blasted my Gilded Eternity LP and it sounds great to my ears. Hence my question about whether these CDs sound better. My collector's instinct wants me to buy them, but do I really need them?

I note there are plans for vinyl reissues according to the website (although it's not clear if they will be remastered in any way):

it is planned to do a limited run of 180g pressings, but these will only be repros of the original lps without the bonus material

I never heard the vinyl - I either had original cassettes or vinyl copies on cassette, so I can't properly compare. They are obviously much better sounding than my tapes after all these years.

They're also distinctly better than the high quality vinyl-ripped mp3s I had of the Collision and Black Sun EPs.

So is Wolf Flow basically included on these reissues?

Yeah, it's scattered across them but all nine tracks are there.

I bought a fancy CD player just for the reissues. Loop rules, Spacemen 3 drools. Hippy shit must perish... play standing up or get lap rot.

Why yes, all three versions of "Burning World" on The World In Your Eyes remaster are TOTALLY FUCKING ESSENTIAL.

Whoooo! My brain feels like ooze now.

Hmm now I wish I had all this stuff loaded on the iPhone for instant listening.

Again, I can't stress how GRATE these remasters are. All are essential.

^^^^^^^^ this

If it weren't for the Neil Young Archives and the Beatles reissues, the two that came out this year would've been a lock for my number one reissue. They are wonderful.

I was a little hesitant to pick up the A Gilded Eternity reissue since it was basically the album plus the relevant Wolf Flow Peel tracks but the second disc benefits tremendously from the improved sound. The demos are pretty worthy on their own too - not just underdeveloped versions of the album tracks.

I have one of the worst head colds I can remember - all clogged and foggy - and playing Loop at high volume seems to be the only thing helping. Fighting fire with fire.

These remasters are still the bomb.

Agreed - Very pleased with the 2-disc Loop remasters. They did the dreamsludge psychotrance thing as well as anyone. Between them & Spacemen 3 you can surf the bliss to however many bardos there are.

Thirded. Great remasters. The 3-disc World in Your Eyes collection is really something...

Fourthed(?). So glad I picked all those up last year.

Man... This gets me all uneasy again. I have the entire Loop discog on vinyl and keep getting tempted by these... I don't need them. But they'd be lovely. But I don't need them etc.

Same here. Well, not the entire discog, but a couple of albums and some singles. I didn't think I needed these but I was listening to the 45 of Spinning recently and it slowly dawned on me that the sound quality was fucking awful. Now I'm thinking of picking one or two of these up.

World in Your Eyes is probably a good call if you're only thinking of getting one or two. Spans the whole career and has their three best songs imo - Collision, Arc-Lite, Got To Get It Over.

Yep, I just looked up on Amazon and woah, three disc worth. That's cool. Collision and Arc-Lite are probably my favourite two songs by them. Don't recall Got To Get It Over though. I have a real affection for Heaven's End so that one for sure. Wolf Flow I have on cassette and again, is shitty quality so I've hardly listened to it and sort of decided I don't need it.

I've picked up all of these and they are obviously amazing. I listen very loud when no one's at home...

Just re-listenng to "Gilded Eternity" for the first time in FOREVER and it is way way better than I remember. Fantastic psych-fuzz stuff. I have "Fade Out" on vinyl and could never quite get into it as much - I like it a lot, but the producton (or my pressing?) is really soft and lacks the oomf this stuff needs.

Gilded Eternity kicks nine kinds of ass though. This is great.

A lot of what Kate said. ;-) The legendary/notorious Loop/S3 feud apparently had something to do with the young Mr. Hampson hanging around the Rugby recording studio where Sonic and Spaceman were making their racket and then Robert wanting some of that action himself. Which led Spacemen 3 to cast him into perdition, etc.

As far as I know Loop were from CRoydon South London, at least Hampson was. Others might have been from other parts of London. So this thing about hanging around rugby recording studios is wrong. i think he was the office-boy at the record label which was presumably London based.
I hadn't really been aware of the rivalry or whatever it was until reading an interview with Sonic Boom in Forcedexposure, I think the Diamanda galas covered one.
Also interesting to read them written up as ur-metal or similar. while a lot of stoner bands including Electric wizard would cite influence from them, I think they would have strenuously denied links to actual metal, they certainly denied overt knowledge of Hawkwind who they were getting compared to. They did mention late psych & proto-prog stuff in interviews though. I think a lot of influence came from dub & funk too. Certainly remember John the drummer being aware of Funkadelic pretty well as was Josh.
There have been quite a number of live sets circulated on Dime over the last few years, including 2 videos. Not sure what, if any is still up there. Great hypnotic band

Rereleases:

http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/165173-loop-reissues-please-see-notes/

I'm glad to see the 2008 remasters finally getting an official North American release.

Yay, one of my favorites! Bang your head! Hair and Skin are excellent too for you young 'uns!

*cough*

Um.

So.

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/524777_577270365640243_1452956218_n.jpg

WHAT?!?!

New official FB page

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Loop/339763597456?hc_location=stream

Official website to appear at

http://www.soundheads.org/

!

couldnt believe it when Robert posted that on FB. He did seem excited after playing with Godflesh. Yay!

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP

Lineup per Robert on FB:

Mr John Wills (Drums) Mr Neil Mackay (Bass) Mr Scott Dowson (Guitar) and some grey haired old fool who should know better grumbling into a mic

Great news. Hoping for new music. Loved their live shows too!

Headline slot at Supersonic 2013 is my prediction and hope!

yeah Supersonic would make sense in terms of timing/size/audience I guess. would rock out to Loop. in the new issue of Iron Fist magazine the dude who does Roadburn was saying they were a dream booking for him but he knew it would never happen. idk if he was bluffing or what

has next years curator been announced?

I honestly wouldnt be surprised if Robert enjoyed the Godflesh 'Pure' reunion so much he decided it had to happen. He did say he enjoyed playing guitar again. Honestly this really feels it has come right out of the blue.

I heard a very vague rumour about this last year, maybe it's been bubbling away in the pipeline for a while.

I love the idea that he decided it after doing the Fleshloop song onstage. If this now doesn't happen at SSonic I will be gutted. Although I'll get over it.

Killer news!

I sent him a shit-ton of interview questions for the next issue of Burning Ambulance; haven't gotten replies back yet. Wonder if he'll discuss this in any more detail...perhaps I should email him an addendum...

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj242/donaldparsley/loop_zps1e072e8c.jpg

Probably no chance of North American dates, right? Right. Sigh.

nevertheless, the nail will burn

looks like it's for the last ever ATP weekender (until the reformation amirite)

ATP are calling time on their weekender festivals at England's Camber Sands Holiday Park. The British promoters will stage two final residential events there under the banner "End of an Era" this winter: The first takes place November 22-24, where Television will play Marquee Moon in full, along with Chelsea Light Moving, Dinosaur Jr., Dinos Chapman, Les Savy Fav, múm, Oneohtrix Point Never, Hebronix, Mike Watt, Forest Swords, the Haxan Cloak, Demdike Stare, Wolf Eyes, BEAK>, and Eraas. The event is co-curated by the Primavera Sound festival.

The second weekend, November 29-December 1, will feature LOOP (who have reformed to headline and curate), the Pop Group, 23 Skidoo, Fennesz, Edan (DJ set), the KVB, Dirty Beaches, Eaux, Hookworms, and Thought Forms. More bands are still to be announced for both festivals.

tbrr Loop do not strike me as a band who are nearly big enough to get many people down to one of these things on name alone

No, it's an odd one and the other names announced for it aren't exactly helping.

Offical announcement from earlier today

"It was a long time ago... and it didn't really finish that well. I'm not sure anyone of us can really put our fingers on specific reasons, for they are legion, but after many many years of being asked why not play again, I can't seem to find any excuses for why not to anymore.To always pursue a forward motion has been my goal, but what goes around comes around as they say.

It seems that as much as you try to run as far as you can away from it, your past will always haunt you. I have never really slept well over the demise of Loop, it always felt unfinished. If I had a pound coin given to me for every time I get asked to reform Loop, I'd be a very rich man by now. I had always baulked at the idea, especially when I have been asked to perform songs with a pick-up band, something I could never do... ever.

It's not that I am precious, but at the same time, without John and Neil holding down that centre, I'd never be able to wave, it would never be the same.
I'm so proud to say that the line-up of John Wills, Neil Mackay, Scott Dowson and myself have agreed to perform a limited number of shows from late 2013 to mid 2014 at various venues across the world. To perform from all stages of the Loop arc, enjoy it again, hoping that we make plenty of people happy again and maybe give people a chance to see it for the first time... then, we can put it finally to rest with a better feeling of completion and that a chapter is really over. I sincerely hope it maybe refreshing to us and to others. For some, it may simply not be on their radar anymore. Well, it's simple enough for them, don't buy a ticket. It's going to blink and you miss it because it's not going to be around long, I refuse to prolong it and for it to become embarrassing. It'll be sharp and to the point...straight to your heart and then, it's gone.

ATP is the only place this could happen and be done well. Who else would offer the chance not only to play but also curate some of the bands alongside Loop on the day. It's quite special to be able to do this and make it happen. Besides, Barry Hogan has pestered me for so long about this, it would seem rather unfair not to let him have his 5 minutes of fame getting Loop to play again.

RH April 2013"

One of my all-time favourite live bands, & as unlikely a reformation as could be expected. Beyond excited about this.

The Pop Group and Loop together at the same festival? So...thirty minute version of "Thief of Fire" that destroys the universe?

Still think North American shows are a long shot, but...

...agreed to perform a limited number of shows from late 2013 to mid 2014 at various venues across the world

Ned otm

damn i wanna see loop

Psyched if they end up on the east coast.

Loopflesh play "Straight To Your Heart" last week

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8p3JDbWMW4

The website is now fully live

http://soundheads.org/

Nothing major per se but it's up and running.

I've gotten answers to my interview questions back from Hampson. The text runs slightly over 5000 words, before I write any kind of intro. This will all be in the next issue of Burning Ambulance, which will be available in, I think, less than two weeks.

Roxor.

And you should all get that Burning Ambulance issue if you haven't already, BTW.

Meantime:

http://jamesendeacott.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/20130307-080102.jpg

I seriously thought this was a joke at first. It isn't. That IS Loop, from very early days, as discussed here.

I sat in front of James Endeacott (the ginger one in that photo) at a Millwall v Palace match a couple of weeks ago. Didn't he sign the Libertines? In a half hearted attempt to reignite rivalries, The aforementioned Millwall Palace match was about as exciting as a Spacemen 3 gig.

First band announced for Roadburn 2014!

bump for the morning crowd because I feel like there'd be more ilxors into this

I'll be really excited if they come to the east coast US

Ditto! Roadburn always streams the live sets a few months after the fact though, so that's something to look forward to.

http://thequietus.com/articles/13431-loop-intimate-live-dates

^ short UK tour! Awfuckenright!!

I think James Endeacott was manager for the Tindersticks for a while, think he was over with them when they played a Dublin gig in '98.
I knew him from gigs in London 10 years earlier, possibly a bit more than that.

I'm just going to put this here:

http://www.atpfestival.com/events/news/1309271404.php

Ever so mysterious.

not sure why they don't just do it under their actual name but if it's in the carpark-lookin' space on the venue's website that would be pretty gnar. I'll just see em in Bristol a fortnight after tho I guess

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJNJQZjBwd0

So....did someone say new interviews with Robert Hampson and John Wills?

http://www.thedumbingofamerica.net/2013/06/23/history-lesson-loop/

First reunion show was tonight, apparently a blinder.

I was there, & it was indeed. It got away from them briefly towards the very end, but they quickly pulled it round by the time they got to "Mother Sky" (there was a very brief bass amp issue that might have thrown them a little). 2 sets, I'm struggling to think of what they didn't play that I'd want to hear, but even if I could think of something it'd be nit-picking. A triumph.

Very, very jealous.

Yeah that was awesome - although we left just after the bass amp thing so we missed Mother Sky and whatever else they played for the rest of the encore, unfortunately. But that was because of the venue, not the band (it was ridiculously hot in there and for some unknown reason there was a food stall in the hall cooking food all through the gig (possibly why it was so hot) so it was also pretty stinky and it was making my wife nauseous). Kinda glad I'm not going to any other ATP gigs there now after that tbh. That and the choices at the bar, wtf was that about.

engnnnghhh, the brighton show can't come soon enough

bring it on (motherfucker)

Setlist:

Soundhead
The Nail Will Burn
Fade Out
Breathe Into Me
Arc-Lite
Afterglow
Too Real to Feel
Fix to Fall
Collision
Fever Knife
Blood
Straight to Your Heart
Vapour
Pulse
Burning World
Deadly/Mother Sky

Looks good, had somebody yesterday worrying about what they were going to play.
Are there 2 different setlists or is that both sets?

Rob has just commented on how hot it was in there on his Facebook feed

Both sets. Didn't time it but they were scheduled to do some like 1 hour long set & another about 80mins, but think the last was shorter than that. Certainly they finished before 22:30 rather than the 23:00 stated on the poster near the entrance. Started a bit late & think the gap between was shorter than expected, & I was with a bunch of people, so I wasn't paying too close attention.

Yeah that's about right - they came on about 25 mins late but the gap between was much shorter than 30 mins

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5Cage8ErCI

Too cool!

they could use some more hair, but then couldn't we all?

Yeah, what kind of Loop ain't skinny long haired near sociopathicaly non communicative?

Never thought I'd see Paul Weller fronting Loop.

Eleven songs all told here:

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKGbZkGfmne-hpgXWMHK5_LU2W-MDLlUG

Meantime Robert's dropped a VERY heavy hint on FB that Austin Psych Fest is in the works for them next year. Makes total sense -- and also means not too far away from Coachella too. I'd say start heavily blocking time out in April and May next year.

It took them a couple of songs to get into their stride on Monday. Also seemed to be a few sound issues. The second set was, thankfully, a lot louder than the first. When they took off though, they flew. The version of Mother Sky that closed the set was astounding. I am glad they've gone grey, rather than bald, or fat.

It looks like Mark Stewart had a bit of a meltdown last night and started accusing Josh and the ATP people of being fake indie fascists or something along those lines. After the gig Josh got back to his hotel room to find that he's been sent several abusive Facebook messages by Stewart anyway.
Shame that, I have loved the Pop Group for years though I'm not 100% into what I've heard of the current group. But it looks like Stewart may have some mental health issues he needs to sort out at least on this basis. Josh has said that he will never listen to the Pop Group again and there will be no more versions of Thief Of Fire played by Loop. Think he overstepped the mark a bit by saying that nobody would have heard of Pop Group without a certain band covering them but maybe that is heat of the moment. I thought they were a legendary post-punk group that had a lot of recognition before taht anyway, I mean Minutemen echo bits of their songs on Double Nickels and cited them as an influence and I'm sure several others did too. I first heard of them through Birthday Party comparisons anyway.

So looks like there will be no Pop Group appearance this weekend. & I hope Mark Stewart is going to apologise and explain where this came from anyway.
I was looking forward to the apparently forthcoming Pop Group compilation set that I was told about earlier this year, won't be quite as much now. I guess the members of taht band today are 30+ years differentiated from the people who recorded the music so I can still isolate it enough to enjoy it?

all sounds a bit weird. who is josh?

Robert Hampson was always known by that name back at the time

of the first era of Loop that is

oh, that's not good

Ned posted about this on FB but it looks like most of the rants have been taken down from Mark Stewart's page this morning, as there's just a cryptic post about scabs there now with a bunch of people calling him a wanker.

From Robert's facebook:

To be absolutely crystal fucking clear.
I returned to my hotel room after a loop show tonight to find abusive messages and abusive posts by mark Stewart of the pop group here on Facebook.. I have absolutely no idea or involvement in what has made him behave in such a manner.
I called him out and asked him what his problem was, only to get called a cunt and that he would defame me til his dying day.

Again, I have NO IDEA why I get singled out considering that I considered him a friend for many years and a great supporter of his music for even more.

I love the pop group.

I fucking love the pop group.

It was an honour to look forward to sharing a stage with them.

But, you know what?

They can fuck off!

I'll never be able to listen to them ever again or mafia records without feeling fucking sick to my stomach. It's really bloody upset me.

I hope it will not spoil any ticket holders enjoyment of the loop curated day... And if we are all money grabbing fascists (all the bands that play) then why the fuck did he agree to play?

Words fail me. My heart fails me to think of this.

With that, I take my leave.

And no, Thief Of Fire will NEVER feature in a loop set ever agin. I haven't the heart or joy for it anymore.

Mark Stewart
7 hours ago via mobile
I will name these cunts time and time again
Share
14 people like this.

Grady Johnson Nothing moves so fast as a lefty bourgeois kid who rediscovers his 'family values'. (This often occurs at the same time as they inherit their parents' riches.) They should be named and shamed. They are unscrupulous opportunists and hypocrites, and the enemies of ANY revolution.
5 hours ago · 2

Mark Pavey You seem to angry about something Mark. What's happened?
about an hour ago via mobile · 1

got to respect Grady Johnson for locating the hidden meaning in what many might have dismissed as incoherent gibberish

dgi, does M.Stewart think IWatkins is Loop's lead singer?

He posted this just now:

Had a serious meltdown, I'm very sorry dear Robert, Loop & ATP. Please excuse my rants, love Mark.

It's gonna take more than that I guess, which I assume is also going to happen.

So, everyone came out of this well, then?

I don't know. Not sure if josh is still going to be posting to Facebook or if he got talked out of that. Not sure if Pop Group are going to play this weekend , doubt it really.
Think Mark Stewart may be looked at somewhat oddly but I think that documentary taht came out a couple of years back was supposed to be pushing things in that direction anyway. I still haven't seen it though I've meant to.

Are the current Pop group employing elements like slap bass and other jazz-funk features? Got the feeling taht they were from what I'd heard of them. Not been sure about how I feel about their current form and haven't really heard much of it.

& Josh has a naff haircut so there's always that.

This whole Josh thing is bemusing to me. Is it his middle name or something?

Not sure where it came from, just know that it was a name that he used back then.

how did this whole situation end up?

Robt has sacked Facebook, and I wouldn't be surprised if he sacks the idea of ever organising anything for groups other than his own.

Apart from that 'oops me' message, nothing since from MStewart.

wot a palaver

I did wonder whether the principled Mr Stewart had found out about the ATP/Wilwal phoenixing fiasco and was taking a stance over it - from the tweets that have been preserved this now seems the most likely thing.

http://exileonmoanstreet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/mark-stewart-vs-atp-and.html

So nothing to do with Loop at all really.

Presumably Pop Group didn't play did they?
I was just checking to see what had happened and saw that they were apparently remastering For How Much Longer Do We Tolerate Mass Murder from the masters at the beginning of last month. I'd heard there was a compilation thing coming out which I'm not sure of the details of. Are they planning a full catalogue reissue campaign or something? I think the compi had been intended to include some more live material on top of what had come out on the Japanese live compilation a few years ago.

But if Mark is going to behave like this again in future he may be burning bridges rapidly.
I just looked on his Facebook feed and there was somebody with a french name on there shit stirring and trying to get him to avoid apologising which I would think was well dodgy.

Anyway, hope that the rest of the gigs are good and that I get a chance to see them before they resplit.

Not sure whether the ATP/Willwal thing can fairly be described as a fiasco or why M Stewart would be getting worked up about it. Hogan dissolved one company and started up another. Happens all the time in business. Yes ATP still has creditors but Hogan expects to pay all of them eventually.

I did wonder whether the principled Mr Stewart had found out about the ATP/Wilwal phoenixing fiasco and was taking a stance over it - from the tweets that have been preserved this now seems the most likely thing.

how exactly are you getting this from a clutch of context-free one-sentence rants which were disowned as soon as the dude sobered up/his meds kicked in/whatever

Yes ATP still has creditors but Hogan expects to pay all of them eventually.

Including ATP Concerts Limited's creditors, who Willwal don't owe anything to?

xp

xp

Because his ATP tweets are about Barry Hogan and not about Loop/Rbt. The initial reports made it all seem like it was a falling out between the two of them and not about ATP at all. OK, I'm totally stretching that it's because of the Wilwal thing but something set Mark off, feel free to speculate that Barry did something else to him.

I wonder if Barry was referring to the Wilwal thing in the programme notes last weekend?

We have had our share of heartache and been turned against by people who we thought were peers and friends but who turned out to be a big cup of dickmilk and ultimately were the victims of their own doing and went out of business.

> Presumably Pop Group didn't play did they?

i heard they did, via friends on facebook who were there.

"Pop Group not amazing but Mark Stewart bonkers brilliant"

Oh, assumed that they wouldn't after taht. Hope Mark did apologise personally to Robert.
That all sounds very confusing.
& it did appear that Mark's rants were directed directly to Josh's wall from what he said in response on Facebook the next day. maybe it was cc-ed but I don't think you can do that on Facebook can you?
My first hearing was after waking up and reading facebook on my phone on whatever day that was. Thursday? & it was Hampson's response that was the first thread I read.

So wonder if he'll be back on facebook. Seems that he's getting a lot happening negatively through there. he had been complaining about a stalker a couple of days earlier too.

At the moment both his band and personal pages are still up.

It occured to me that it takes a lot to get rid of a facebook page since I know a couple of people who intentionally did so. I think that you have to not sign in for several months after announcing that you were intentionally quitting.
Seemed to be a very heavy handed way of having to go about doing things but maybe Facebook prefers things that way. Which in and of itself sounds pretty dodgy.
So if he announced he was quitting last week it would be way too early to tell if he actually had done. The last message I saw earlier today was from his reacting to the Stewart fracas. So hope he is going to continue.
& if the Pop Group played maybe there was a chance for some degree of a patching up. Again hope so.

Well he is posting now anyway.

it takes two weeks after opting out for facebook to permanently delete an account. if you log in again within that time you reactivate it.

Pop Group were one of my highlights of the weekend. I remember Mark being full of praise for Loop, and I seem to remember he thanked ATP as well.

And as noted elsewhere the rumors are true: Loop definitely (and understandably) playing Austin Psych Fest next year, so start planning for the US tour around that time.

http://www.dimeadozen.org/torrents-details.php?id=474277&page=0#startcomments
Bristol, listening to this now and it sounds about as good as the sets from 23 years ago.

bailed on this because of money concerns and the feeling that watching them on a Monday night after a heavy weekend, most likely on my own, probably wasn't the ideal setting. fuck it

I saw them in Bristol, they were brilliant and very very loud.

yep they wer pretty fucking great at the concorde tonight.

was going to give this a miss cos i'm dying pf snot at the moment, but i dragged my carcass along in the end anyhow. so loud, it's difficult to get into each song when it starts cos you're just pushed away by this tremendous wave of sound pressure breaking over your head, but once that's past you just ride through it like you're clutching on to some flying fragment of rock blown outwards by some huge astral detonation. collision, arc-lite and mother sky were all monstrous. the drums were kind of buried a bit in the mix but the guitar sound was as ferocious as ever, that fierce stooges-like teeth-bared snarling. if i had one complaint it would be that all the songs ended way too soon, felt like half of them were just getting going when they stopped, but other than that, great show.

http://www.dimeadozen.org/torrents-details.php?id=475074

New York show: http://www.lepoissonrouge.com/lpr_events/loop-april-17th-2014/

WAsn't the existence of a forthcoming US tour announced this morning too with that as the end date? Think the dates go from the Psych Fest in Texas to that. Though individual dates haven't been announced so far I think.

Yaaaaaaay

yeah just found the announcement, though oddly trying to find Loop in th efacebook search engine wouldn't take me to the page.
"Around the time Loop is scheduled to play at the Psych Fest in TX, there will be also a full US tour.
This will take the band to NYC at Le (le) poisson rouge on Thursday April 17. Tickets on sale now:
http://www.lepoissonrouge.com/lpr_events/loop-april-17th-2014/";

& it was on my feed as having come from Loop

And FINALLY the full US tour dates:

4.16.14 – Kung Fu Necktie – Philadelphia, PA
4.17.14 – Le Poisson Rouge – New York, NY
4.18.14 – Metro Gallery – Baltimore, MD
4.19.14 – Middle East (Downstairs) – Cambridge, MA
4.21.14 – La Sala Rossa – Montreal, QC
4.22.14 – Wrongbar – Toronto, ON
4.23.14 – Magic Stick – Detroit, MI
4.24.14 – Cactus Club – Milwaukee, WI
4.25.14 – Gabe's Oasis – Iowa City, IA
4.26.14 – Turf Club – St. Paul, MN
4.27.14 – Bottom Lounge – Chicago, IL
4.28.14 – Record Bar – Kansas City, MO
4.29.14 – New Vintage – Louisville, KY
4.30.14 – Pilot Light – Knoxville, TN
5.01.14 – Georgia Theatre – Athens, GA
5.03.14 – Austin Psych Fest at Carson Creek Ranch – Austin, TX
5.04.14 – Austin Psych Fest at Carson Creek Ranch – Austin, TX
5.06.14 – Soda Bar – San Diego, CA
5.07.14 – Church on York – Los Angeles, CA
5.09.14 – Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA
5.10.14 – The Rio – Santa Cruz, CA
5.15.14 – Chop Suey – Seattle, WA
5.16.14 – Doug Fir Lounge – Portland, OR

I really don't want to go to Austin because I fucking hate festivals, but I really want to see them.

US and Canadian, obv. Because I'm a goof. Anyway, there they are.

EZ, I'm reactionary against festivals too but I thought that the APF last year was pretty idyllic. More like a scaled up Terrastock than a scaled down Coachella.

I live near this Church on York and have never heard of it! Got a ticket and really looking forward to it!

stoked, i can see them and kraftwerk in the same month

i live near this church on 800 east, i've seen it but haven't heard of it per se, loop aren't playing there which is too bad.

Thanks, ET. I'll think about it. If it's in my budget I'll wander down the road to Austin.

The tour stats in Philly! Neat!

Think I'm going to the Psych Fest. I need to see these guys.

I might try to make a Detroit show again

And where is my free plane ticket or something

https://www.atpfestival.com/events/loopgodflesh2014/tickets.php

In this article:

http://thequietus.com/articles/14633-loop-godflesh-tour

...some other news, also just confirmed via the band's FB page:

Heads and Kandodo member Wayne Maskell will be filling in on drums for Loop for the remainder of the 2014 dates following the departure of original drummer John Wills to concentrate on his Pumajaw project.

A bummer, I really did want to see the proper lineup that recorded the last releases. Three out of four remain, at least.

a bummer, but a heckuva replacement drummer.

Loop were SO good tonight, and extremely loud.

Looks like there might be a little more in store from this reunion than anticipated?

At the end of the set, after paying homage to a predecessor with “Mother Sky” by the German band Can, Mr. Hampson made an unexpected vow: “We’ll be back soon,” he said.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/19/arts/music/reunited-loop-performs-at-le-poisson-rouge.html?_r=0

the German band

He indeed did say that. Would be thrilled to see them again.

They were the best band at Roadburn. And that's saying something, the fest's lineup was the most stacked in its history.

OK I def have to go to this next week

Two weeks from today they close out Austin Psych Fest. Incredibly excited.

^^^^^ on this.

they were great, sounded really tight and played all the tracks i wanted to hear. encored with mother sky.

After experiencing all that right in the front row, gf & I were struck by just much they reminded us of Wire. "Arc-Lite" could fit right in to Pink Flag only it's just at, well, Loop power levels. New drummer way more than capable.

Hey, there's a reason Main covered "Used To" on the Whore tribute album! (I do think it's VERY telling just how much a slew of performers of a certain age/generation who are all about sonic extremity admit to a major Wire obsession and who appeared on that album -- Hampson, Justin Broadrick, Kevin Shields...)

And the comparison actually came to my mind as well a couple of times at the LA show, which was great beyond words.

Great interview with Dave Segal:

http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/sunburst-finish/Content?oid=19461266

found the LA show boring, so polite and tame. i imagined them to be a bit more worship the drone/shamanistic or rock n roll or *something* other than perfectly plodding through their songs all prim and propper. y'know it's all well and good playing the same thing over and over at high volumes but for me the beauty in doing that is (cliche i know) transcending the simplicity of the idea and reaching some other place. kept thinking of the last few times i've seen the telescopes who still completely destroy when they play live, stephen seems like he's possessed by the sound, the one unique signal guys too, something magical seems to happen when they play.

i'd skimmed this thread earlier that day and the pop group guy thing, kinda, err made sense. right, anyway, i'll run away now, ha :)

I thought SF show was very good, but I can get the complaint that it seemed very... well professional. That kind of live experience not a bad thing at all imo (heck a lot of great bands build their live career off of just that without even trying for an "IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE SPECTACLE OF" type of thing) but I can see how if you were looking for or had built up Loop live as something more transcendental it could seem a bit ho hum.

Actually, their LA show was stupendous and transcendental. They played the exact same way 25 years ago, but they had way more hair (maybe that would have helped xpost). The best bands back then didn't move at all - that was actually really important (and should still be).

Yeah LA was one of those experiences where what happened on stage itself was fairly simple but the net effect = holy god. Those guitar tones from Hampson!

Robert just posted on FB confirming that the reunion is now wrapped up. So glad to catch it.

Huh, weird. Aren't they playing ATP Iceland?

Not anymore. Crossposted a little earlier to the official FB Loop page:

Once again, Loop has just fuzzed to a stop.
But it was fucking huge and burned the brightest ever.
It could have got even brighter, but it wasn’t to be.
Thank you to all the fans old and new, far and wide for some amazingly wonderful nights of noise.
If you missed it, that’s a damn shame, as it’ll never happen again.
Twice bitten, thrice shy.
No thank you to the people that systematically erode with bitterness, poisonous cynicism and lack of respect - you know who you are.
Never shall we meet again and for that I am thankful for small mercies.
As Always…
Always Forward.
With Love
RH (June 2014)

So some internal drama halted it I figure? I'm also glad to have caught them!

Well Scott Dowson's apparently also posted this:

And a special fuck you to the lack of respect shown by certain people employed by Loop, who took advantage of us to further their own career. For the love of money is the root of all evil. You know who you are.

Such a shame.

Loop seems an unlikely vehicle to choose for those things.

it seems unlikely there would be much money there to rip off too. glad i got to see them. i preferred them this time around to the first time around although last time i saw them (87/88?) they played unplugged as their PA never showed up.

ha, was that at the QMU? i went to that, seem to remember it was snowing and the PA van broke down in the borders somewhere.

it was and yes, i think you are right about the snow. hazy memories!

Haha, I was at that too. Godflesh were supposed to play as well?

maybe! all i can remember really was that it was bloody cold.
saw Loop later on at the Tech with World Dom supporting. Loop were astoundingly loud, World Dom by that point had guitar tuners which seemed to defeat the purpose of them really.

Ha-Ha. Role call. I was at that gig too. Probably the best show of theirs that I saw.

Got some photos of that show somewhere actually. I should dig those out.

I figured World Dom would only be defeated when THAT guitar fell apart (I'm assuming it did, eventually). Who knew a lowly guitar tuner would be their undoing?

It appears the FB post announcing the end of the reunion has been removed from the Loop page. Perhaps it's not over after all? I hope not; I'd love to catch them.

Loop is back on

Yeah, I'm now seeing cryptic hints about a wholly new lineup coming together.

And Robert's posted to FB earlier, it turns out. Immediately upcoming shows are off but there will be a new lineup. Hm!

why do dowson n hampson hate each other

Here's the formal FB post on the Loop page:

"A change of heart, a change of plans...

Tho' I am very saddened that the last line-up of LOOP cannot continue in it's current form, after much soul searching and with incredible support of people who are very close and dear to me, I have decided to continue LOOP in another form.

Too much time and great effort on behalf of many got it back on it's legs after such a long time away. The response to the recent reactivation has been more than incredible. So much goodwill and heartfelt love has been thrown this way and without wishing to spoil the broth, it seems just too damn sad to curl up and die when possibilites are presented to me (ever the one to take on a challenge and challenge back) that deep deep deep in my heart, I have to at least make a play and see what transpires.

Before anyone sneers, let me say this.

Yes, it might be shit. I agree on that.
But let it breathe and see first before casting stones.
I'll be the first to swiftly turn around and walk away if it stinks.

There have be various line-ups before and nobody has seemed to have taken offence.
After all, it has to be said... I'm the founder of this project and the only original member anyhow.
(Hate saying that, but really... it's the simple truth)
My thanks still remain with James Endeacott, Beki Stewart, Ian 'Glen' Glenister, John Wills, Neil Mackay and Scott Dowson for making LOOP happen over the past years.
I so very much wanted Scott to stay, but sadly, life simply gets in the way of things at times and it isn't possible for him to do so.
I love that man and he knows that I would do all I could to make things change, but I'm just not in that position at this time.

I have written two new songs that I had planned for LOOP before we finished last week, and I was hoping to move forward into the studio at some point and at least, try something new.

I have no idea what this all may bring.

Give it a chance at least.

There are plans for more concerts around the world and sadly, some have had to be cancelled due to the latest developments.

The shows in Iceland (ATP Takeover) and Poland (OFF Festival) are now, with deep regret, not within reach.

But other offers are coming in thick and fast and there is much ground to be covered.

Yesterday, I was the saddest I had ever been for a very long time. But people rallied around and got me to at least admit that it doesn't have to be over until I say it's over.
So... with that in mind and actually taking it in, I'm going to give it a shot.

For fuck's sake, be patient with me.
You waited 24 fucking years so another few months won't hurt.

Let's see what happens, eh?

Let it breathe.

If it stinks, then do not doubt me, I'll be the first to say so and will sink that boat immediately.

Always Forward!

With love and total respect to you all who have stuck by thru thick and thin"
RH

I don't know- Scott's guitar parts are pretty damn easy to play. It can't be that hard to have a fill-in?

"OK see this chord? Here's how you play one bar of the song it goes with. OK now repeat that until we're done with the song. On to the next song. OK see this chord?..."

I am callowly nominating myself as a fill-in guitarist.

I had the pleasure of photographing Loop & Godflesh at the Glasgow gig last week. A few shots here, for interested parties... http://www.thesleepingshaman.com/reviews/gig-reviews/loop-godflesh-swg3-glasgow-02-06-2014/

still lolling at the idea of loop & godflesh unplugged

their san diego show was so freakin loud

my ears are still ringing - last time i go to a show without earplugs i think

xpost - it wasn't "unplugged". Just no p.a system. It was instrumental. No mics or mic stands - just them jamming their tunes as loud as ever but without vocals. That is why it was so good. The stage was nice and clear so a good band/audience connection, and the words get lost live anyway.

Also, Godflesh were not the opening band. Don't think there was one.

I think they were supposed to be though, but didn't play because of the lack of PA.

Loop can now confirm their appearance at Levitation Festival, Angers in France 20th September.

The band now will consist of members Robert Hampson (Gtr./Voc), Wayne Maskell (Drums), Hugo Morgan (Bass) and a new second guitarist to be finalised in the coming weeks.

Sadly, due to circumstances of logistics and personal lives outside of the band, it is with regret that Neil McKay and Scott Dowson can no longer be involved in the Loop project. Our best wishes go with them both.

Future festival and concert appearances are now being organised for later of this year 2014 and well into next year 2015.

New recordings in the shape of a 3 track EP called ‘Array’ will be released later this year.

Oh hey...

New song.

http://www.stereogum.com/1796516/loop-precession-stereogum-premiere/mp3s/

!!!

Is it good? I haven't had a chance to listen yet.

Never sure what to expect with all these reunited acts.

GBV was mixed. Swervedriver was incredible. Medicine was ok. Polvo was fantastic.

The song, sound and arrangement are perfect, the vocals are very different - less intense, less processed.

Yeah the vocal difference is the part that intrigues me the most, and makes it not simply Loop redux.

Further word from the band:

"Array 1" will be released on ATP Recordings on 22nd June 2105 (June 24th in the US)

It's more "Brittle Head Girl" than "Thief of Fire". That said, I hope the other tracks feature at least some of the more traditional Loop vocals.

Reminds me of Main's Hydra-Calm stuff, actually.

Yeah, definitely connection there.

Just now experienced Array 1. My first Loop, so will do comparative study later, but although,like a a lot of new stuff involving drones, this immediately began to wrap me up for cosmic naptime, it was also rock & roll enough that I grabbed a coffee and got back on the sphere patrol. Round and round, better and better, especially when we got to "Coma, " where all the patients are in black leather, and prepped for "Radial," where bone saws and B-47s (mostly) turn to fuzz guitars, welder's torches, a few diaphanous elements, discreetly hovering, as in the first two tracks---everybody's here now. "Embrace your/New home." So far so good.
1. Precession 4:57
2. Aphelion 5:14
3. Coma 7:14
4. Radial 17:03

Press sheet info:
Towards the end of 2013 saw the reformation of one of the most revered and respected late 80’s UK alternative bands, LOOP. The group, founded by Robert Hampson, hadn’t played together since the early 90’s but got together to curate a night at the legendary All Tomorrow’s Parties at Camber Sands. US dates followed in 2014 and they then got back in the studio to start recording. The result is three brand new releases coming over the next year which see the band return to their hugely unique and era defining sound whilst sounding fresh and exciting.

The first release is ‘Array 1’, four tracks and 32 mins of haunting, aggressive, beautiful noise. ‘Precession’, ‘Aphelion’, ‘Coma’ and ‘Radial’ are the first songs to be heard from their recording session done in Sub Station Studios in Rosyth in Scotland with the current line up of Robert Hampson (vocals/guitar), Hugo Morgan (bass), Wayne Maskell (drums) and Dan Boyd (guitar). With only an early version of ‘Precession’ having had any previous outing (at a show at the Garage in London at the end of 2014), this is the very first new music from the band since their third album, 1990’s lost classic ‘A Gilded Eternity’.

The next tracks will be released in the Autumn in keeping with Loop’s previous habit of putting out music in batches, Hampson describes it as “one project, with the same concept, delivered in bulletins”.

With the music out on 22nd June 2015, this ties in with a show at the Roundhouse in London on 28th June where they are part of the line-up of ATP's Season at the Roundhouse. The event, curated by post rock band Mogwai to celebrate their 20th Anniversary, will be spread over six nights and see performances from the likes of Public Enemy, GZA, Godspeed You! Black Emperor and The Jesus and Mary Chain.

More shows listed in that xpost April Stereogum link, but dunno how much of that is still on. I hereby request more US shows, with a light show and room to dance ("Radial" 's got a nice Can or canned beat).

anywhere to preview the other tracks?

Not yet, far as I can tell, but they'll be out fairly soon.

you cant go wrong with a mix of Loop and The Heads!

The whole EP is now on Spotify and Apple Music.

Just catching up to Array I and it's pretty great. Are these guys still going or did it fizzle after this EP? Seems like the whole endeavor was a precarious undertaking.

http://soundheads.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Unknown-2.jpeg

Swans, Loop, yeah all prime vaporwave acts there.

https://www.musicweek.com/talent/read/cooking-vinyl-sign-trance-rock-stars-loop-group-confirm-first-album-since-1990/081181

A fine thing!

coincidentally I am wearing a (badly washed out - and it's not even an old shirt just a shit printing job) Loop t-shirt today

just saw a notice from the band on FB. Haven't heard recent stuff so not sure if originals sound like a continuation of the turn of the 90s stuff.

very excited

What the what now?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrViQDlYxdE

'Halo' is taken from the new album 'Sonancy' which releases on March 11th 2022, the first studio album since 'A Gilded Eternity' (1990). Stream 'Halo' and pre-order the album at https://loopband.lnk.to/sonancy

gonna stick my neck out and say it sounds a bit like loop?

Just came to post that!

Yes, sounds as expected.

https://www.brooklynvegan.com/loop-announce-sonancy-first-album-in-32-years-share-halo/

something about it reminds me a bit of chrome too, that shiny, brittle, dopesick android thing

Very much Arc-Lite Pt2, but I'm fine with that.

!!!

Vinyl comes to $78.24 with shipping so I think I'll pass on that.

So! Had a great interview with Mr. Hampson himself for Bandcamp today. The piece will serve as an overall introduction to his work across the decades but also got some great thoughts about the new album. Will run in a few weeks.

Looking forward to it!

New single sounds like Read & Burn-era Wire to me. (Warning: strobe light-y video.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vt59YEQiAE

okay that's a good song! but tbh i'd rather have something else than the sound just wubbing about the stereo field in the spaces where there once would have been guitar solos or whatever

when i were a lad all this were wah pedals round 'ere

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBmjOBwczXk