Loraxx...

Based out of Chicago, Loraxx came together in 1997 when vocalist/guitarist Arista Strungys and bassist Santosh Isaac recruited drummer Elliott Talarico to round out the noisy trio. Albeit, Jeff Lauras would replace Santosh Isaac sometime after their second album. The band would release a single the following year before recording their first full-length Canada, which would appear at the beginning of 1999. An obvious reference point for the band is Shellac and that wonderfully gritty/abrasive guitar sound that has become so synonymous with them over the years. Loraxx didn’t shy away from the same sort of sound, citing the band as a major influence really. It’s no surprise that they enlisted Albini to record all three of their albums, however for a band of their nature, it was obviously the right way to go.

It always kind of confounds me as to how Loraxx was never any more popular than they were, despite releasing two more albums in 2001’s Yelville and 2005’s Selfs. All of which are absolutely worth checking out and owning. The vocals from Strungys gave it an interesting angle if anything, with an intensely angry delivery that definitely added to the visceral sting of their sound. Although maybe we’re quite used to hearing a band like Loraxx, it’s something that never grows old to these ears and they did it very well in my opinion. During their run they released at least a couple singles to my knowledge along with a split CD with swamp rockers Boxcar Satan and an appearance on the Delta Masters compilation covering Charlie Patton. Last I heard the band was down to a duo, but that was in '06 and am not entirely sure if they are together these days or not...I'm assuming not since their website has long been gone. Anyway, check out some tunes below and do yourself a favor and pick up some of their fine albums.

Canada:
Loraxx – Worn Out [MP3]

Yelville:
Loraxx – Under [MP3]

Selfs:
Loraxx – Bulldog [MP3]

VA: Delta Masters:
Loraxx – Spoonful Blues [MP3]

For those looking to pick up any of Loraxx’s releases they are all still available on Amazon. I highly suggest picking them up if you enjoy what you hear above.