The Cold Sun

"We stand by the outlook that negativity can be channelled and used as a tool to create something not only positive but progressive" - Erik Bickerstaffe. Is Loathe's Erik Bickerstaffe onto something In these seemingly somber and tulmultuous times, we can either stand by and watch the world burn; or we can try channel the negative stream into something meaningful and erudite. Loathe are a sedulous collective of 5, formed in the UK's industrial and artistically acclaimed port-city, Liverpool. Their debut record 'The Cold Sun' signifies a forceful and shrewd testimony. The quintet nail their colours to the mast with this resolute mission statement; an ode to the times we're living in and the murky future that we all find oursleves faced with. "We all met through music in one form or another. When our previous projects became stagnant, it felt right that we should pool our ambition into what is now Loathe," states Shayne Smith, when asked about the band's genesis. 'The Cold Sun' is a concept record; a compelling 35 minute long meandering into the depths of a dark, post-apocalyptic tale. The record follows the adjacent timeline of two protagonists (A & B), who exist during a dystopian future, stricken by tragedy and the ever looming apocalypse.  "Our writing process varies from song to song, but usually it takes one of us to have the initial vision for what we want to create. We then each add our own personal input which completes the piece." states Smith, when asked about the quintet's approach to their craft. "We approached the record with a specific sound in mind. Combining loose and real instrumentation with technical electronic elements, we created a soundscape that accompanies and represents the overall feel of 'The Cold Sun'," added Bickerstaffe. "To help give a hint as to our trajectory of thought; 'Dance On My Skin' follows character A's experience with sleep paralysis as they are tormented during a night terror..