Biography
The Bay Area outfit Loma Prieta derives its name from the 1989 earthquake that ravaged Northern California. Its hardcore approach blends melodic elements with jarring dissonance, fusing screamo and powerviolence into a distinctive and forceful style. While navigating the D.I.Y. scene through self-booked shows and overnight stays at supporters’ houses, the group issued its first full-length album, Last City, in 2008. Two additional independent records preceded a deal with Deathwish Inc., which issued the band’s fourth album, the widely praised 2011 release I.V., and drove its sound toward greater intensity. After Self Portrait appeared in 2015, only two tracks surfaced during the extended wait for the sixth album, Last, which arrived in 2023.
Established in 2005, Loma Prieta currently comprises Valeriano Saucedo III on drums, Sean Leary on guitar and vocals, Brian Kanagaki on guitar and vocals, and James Siboni on bass. Following the EPs Our LP Is Your EP in 2006 and Matrimony in 2007, the band put out Last City in May 2008 on its own imprint, Discos Huelga. The same abrasive force and textural friction that defined the debut persisted across the subsequent self-released efforts Dark Mountain and Life/Less. In 2011 the group partnered with distributor Deathwish Inc. for its fourth album, I.V., produced by Jack Shirley of Deafheaven and Punch. The following year brought a split EP with the Italian screamo band Raein, and late 2015 saw the arrival of the fifth album, Self Portrait. Once again working with Shirley, the record drew inspiration from other California hardcore acts including Funeral Diner and Mohinder. Eight years elapsed before the next full-length, interrupted only by the 2019 single “Continuum” b/w “Fate.” The resulting Shirley-produced album Last surfaced in 2023, channeling accumulated worldwide strain through the band’s signature mix of beauty and ferocity.
Established in 2005, Loma Prieta currently comprises Valeriano Saucedo III on drums, Sean Leary on guitar and vocals, Brian Kanagaki on guitar and vocals, and James Siboni on bass. Following the EPs Our LP Is Your EP in 2006 and Matrimony in 2007, the band put out Last City in May 2008 on its own imprint, Discos Huelga. The same abrasive force and textural friction that defined the debut persisted across the subsequent self-released efforts Dark Mountain and Life/Less. In 2011 the group partnered with distributor Deathwish Inc. for its fourth album, I.V., produced by Jack Shirley of Deafheaven and Punch. The following year brought a split EP with the Italian screamo band Raein, and late 2015 saw the arrival of the fifth album, Self Portrait. Once again working with Shirley, the record drew inspiration from other California hardcore acts including Funeral Diner and Mohinder. Eight years elapsed before the next full-length, interrupted only by the 2019 single “Continuum” b/w “Fate.” The resulting Shirley-produced album Last surfaced in 2023, channeling accumulated worldwide strain through the band’s signature mix of beauty and ferocity.
Albums
Singles
