LOSSLINE - 'Fading Affect Bias'

BY ROBIN MUMFORD OF THE INDIE PLUG

Lossline is a band that consists of two Mancunians, formed in 2020. Initially, they had no intentions of recording an album, but as their songs continued to grow organically, so did their sudden realisation that they had the potential to tell stories through their music. They pinch influences from the UK and American folk, rock, indie and alternative music. That being said, their Twitter bio puts it a lot more simply: “We write sad songs.”

Through their first album release, ‘Fading Affect Bias’, the listener is sucked into an emotional whirlwind, which is characterised by the deep guitar riffs and sadistic sounding piano chords. The first half of the album takes on the role of immersing listeners into sudden sadness that is almost unavoidable. Songs such as ‘Streetlights’ and ‘Kids’ epitomise that statement.

The monotonic vocals throughout help to add to the depressive atmosphere of the release. Usually, a lack of power and drive in the voice lowers the rating of the album, but not with this one. It reminds me of Fontaine’s DC, they too don’t show much emotion through their voices, but it works beautifully for the tone and atmosphere. 

Despite this reoccurring theme, ‘Confessional' takes a different approach. It ramps up the tempo of the album, surprising you, before clutching your heartstrings and throwing you back down into an abyss of sadness in ‘Apathy.’ ‘Confessional’ and its aggressive, palpable and passionate dynamic appears to be a one-off for Lossline. I would love to hear more songs follow this style, it caters for adrenaline addicts, expanding their target audience.

But the common denominator in 'Fading Affect Bias' remains the same. The sadness that trickles through every song creates a masterpiece in emotional storytelling. Even without listening to the miserable lyrics, you will be left to wallow in pity at the mellowed, downbeat tone of each passing track. 

‘Fading Affect Bias’ is the perfect example of how the tone of a release influences the rest of the quality of the album. Furthermore, a monotonic voice doesn’t restrict anyone from forming an expressively depressing atmosphere. The attitude that is shown in ‘Confessional,’ should be showcased more often, but it is a good album, nonetheless. ***