Album Review: Fully Loaded by No Loves
Released in 2012 under Stiff Pole Records, Fully Loaded by No Loves is a raw and unapologetic dive into the gritty worlds of punk and alternative rock. Hailing from the US, this four-piece band—Steve Merkel (bass, vocals), Mike Hobbs (drums), and Curtis McCall (guitar)—delivers an album that feels like a sweaty basement show where everyone’s screaming along to songs they’ve known their whole lives. It’s not perfect, but it doesn’t try to be. And honestly? That’s what makes it stick.
The tracklist reads like a mixtape for restless souls: “Shackles ‘n’ Chains,” “No Name Blues,” “Voodoo Doll,” and more. But two tracks stand out as the ones I can’t shake off. First up is “Voodoo Doll.” Man, this song hits hard. From the opening riff—a jagged, snarling guitar line courtesy of Curtis McCall—to Steve Merkel’s gravelly vocal delivery, it’s got this dark, brooding energy that just pulls you in. The lyrics are cryptic enough to feel mysterious but relatable enough to hit home. You know those moments when life feels cursed? Yeah, this one captures that vibe perfectly. By the time the chorus kicks in, you’re ready to grab your own voodoo doll and start plotting revenge—or at least cranking the volume way up.
Then there’s “Rock ‘n’ Roll”, which might sound like a cliché title, but don’t let that fool you. This isn’t some overproduced anthem trying too hard to be cool. Nope, it’s straight-up, balls-to-the-wall rock with a punk edge. Mike Hobbs lays down a drumbeat so propulsive, you’ll swear he’s channeling Keith Moon on Red Bull. Meanwhile, McCall’s guitar work dances between chaotic riffs and these sneaky little hooks that worm their way into your brain. Lyrically, it’s less about idolizing the genre and more about celebrating its messy, defiant spirit. Listening to it feels like flipping off authority figures while laughing maniacally.
Other tracks like “Lonely Dog” and “Faces On The Wall” round out the album nicely, offering quieter introspection amidst all the chaos. But even these slower tunes carry a weighty authenticity that keeps things grounded. There’s no glossy sheen here; instead, every note sounds like it was born out of sweat, frustration, and maybe a few beers spilled during practice sessions.
Looking back, Fully Loaded reminds me why rock music still matters. Sure, it’s rough around the edges, and yeah, sometimes the production feels a bit lo-fi. But maybe that’s the point. In a world obsessed with perfection, No Loves gives us something real. Something imperfect. Something human.
And hey, if nothing else, listening to this record will make you wanna break stuff—and isn’t that kinda therapeutic?
