Loons - Loons (1996)

San Diego's Loons formed in San Diego in 1995, when former members of the Tell-Tale Hearts and the Hoods joined forces. With Mike Stax on lead vocals, Anja Diabolik on bass guitar and backing vocals, drummer Ian Andrew and guitarists Mark Schroeder and Chris Marsteller, the group embraced '60s influences like the Yardbirds and Love. After a slew of singles released on labels as diverse as Time Bomb Records, 360 Twist Records, and Thermionic Records from the United States, and Screaming Apple Records and Max Picou Records from Germany, Get Hip Records offered to release the band's debut full-length.

Love's Dead Leaves was issued in 2000, and was produced by Soundtrack of Our Lives member Ebbot Lundberg. The album's unique take on garage rock mixed with power pop, punk, and a tinge of psychedelia was an ambitious first effort. The band produced their sophomore effort themselves with help from producer Mike Kamoo. ~ Stephen Cramer