Loop are an English rock band, formed in 1986 by Robert Hampson in Croydon. The group topped the UK independent charts with their albums Fade Out (1989) and A Gilded Eternity (1990). Their dissonant "trance-rock" sound drew on the work of artists like the Stooges and Can, and helped to resurrect the concept of space rock in the late 1980s. Their sound was influenced by Krautrock and No Wave influences and relied heavily on three chord riffs. Initially releasing records on Jeff Barrett's Head label, their first release was 1987's "16 Dreams", with debut album Heaven's End following later that year. The band was then signed up by Chapter 22 Records.
Reformation
Loop reformed for 2013 and 2014 activities, as presented by a statement from Robert Hampson. The line-up included the original Gilded Eternity era members Robert Hampson, John Wills, Neil Mackay and Scott Dowson. In November 2013, the band played their first comeback show and also co-curated the final holiday camp edition of the All Tomorrow's Parties festival in Camber Sands, England. Wills, wishing to focus on his own musical projects, left the band and was replaced by Wayne Maskell. Loop then played in April 2014 as headliners of the Roadburn Festival, followed by more than 20 dates in the USA, headlining the opening night of Milwaukee Psych Fest 2014 at Cactus Club on 24 April. They concluded this comeback tour with the Primavera Sound festival in Barcelona in May 2014.
In November 2014, a new line-up emerged; still led by Hampson (vocal, guitar), the band performed with Hugo Morgan (bass) and Maskell (drums) from The Heads as well as Dan Boyd (guitar). They played at the Garage (London) and in the Netherlands. Their set featured a new song, "Precession". They also announced they would be playing ATP Iceland 2015.
The band released a four-song EP "Array 1" on ATP Recordings on 22 June 2015.
In June 2018, the band played as part of Robert Smith's curation of the Meltdown Festival.
The first studio album in 31 years, Sonancy, was released on 25 March 2022. It was followed by a UK tour in May 2023.
Musical style
Their musical style has been described as space rock, psychedelic rock, drone rock, and noise rock.
Members
Current
- Robert Hampson – vocals, guitars (1986–1991, 2013–present)
- Hugo Morgan – bass (2014–present)
- Dan Boyd – guitars (2014–present)
- Wayne Maskel – drums (2014–present)
Former
- Becky "Bex" Stewart – drums (1986–1987)
- Glen Ray – bass (1986–1987)
- James Endeacott – guitars (1987–1988)
- John Wills – drums (1987–1990, 2013–2014)
- Neil Mackay – bass (1987–1990, 2013–2014)
- Mathew Frith – guitars (1988–1989)
- Scott Dowson – guitars (1989–1990, 2013–2014)
Discography
Albums
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!width="60"|Year
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!width="70"|UK Indie Chart Position
!width="70"|UK Chart Position