Having propelled to stardom with their debut album Night Visions back in 2012, the Nevada pop-rock giants Imagine Dragons have reigned supreme on charts and airwaves.
Their blending of elements from a wide range of genres into one melting pot, from rock to reggae, hip-hop to metal, has meant they’re a band with a little bit for everyone. Though their debut largely stayed true to a pop-rock foundation that was listenable and full of anthemic sing-a-longs, the boundaries on each album since have been pushed somewhat more noticeably.
Take their 2014 follow up album, Smoke and Mirrors, which has the Linkin Park-esque hard rock tune “Friction” nestled amidst the huge pop rock anthems. Or Evolve in 2017, which saw Dan Reynolds and co push the pop and hip-hop levels further in the mix.
And so, the troupe return with their latest, album number six Loom, and there is a little that is different, but a lot that is familiar. Opener “Wake Up” jars with a layered vocal sample, before Reynolds comes in with his trademark spoken/rap/sung vocal style over a catchy beat.
To loom is to appear in a large or strange form and often suddenly, but this is recognisably Imagine Dragons. If anyone could be mistaken, second track “Nice to Meet You” is the Dragons style through and through – pleasingly easy to listen to, and wouldn’t be a surprise to hear repeatedly on the charts this summer.
For the most part, Loom carries along in this way. It may not be challenging to listen to, but it can’t be denied that Imagine Dragons have a knack for bringing together various textures, and condensing them into something that goes down smooth. But then suddenly, at the midpoint “In Your Corner” captivates with an eerie blend of haunting synths, Reynolds soulful vocals over Daniel Platzman’s glitchy drumming. It doesn’t rewrite the script for the band, but it’s a welcome reminder of the creativity they can flex.
Overall, Loom pleases without blazing any new trails. It’s creative and interesting at times, yes, but it’s unmistakably Imagine Dragons. A tableau of styles woven together in their pop-rock framing; it will entertain the die-hards with just enough to keep the passerby entertained.
