Observer Affect captures Aloud in their rawest form. The EP marks a sharp contrast from their latest full-length, Apollo 6, which was recorded mostly separately during the pandemic and featured intensely personal songs. This time, the band shifts its focus outward—Observer Affect centers on observations of the lives of others. The title itself is a pun on the observer effect, a knowing nod to how these stories affect the observers: the band.

Co-leads Jen de la Osa and Henry Beguiristain have been writing together since they were teenagers, and their synergy continues to shine on Observer Affect, as seamless and natural as ever. As a band that thrives on collaboration, Observer Affect captures Aloud’s collective spirit at its peak, with every member contributing to the raw, live sound that defines the EP.

Recorded live at Shabby Road Studios and engineered by drummer Chris Jago and bassist Charles Murphy, the five-track EP showcases Aloud’s unfiltered energy and passion for live performance. Vocals were recorded live, overdubs were minimal, and no click tracks were used. The EP was mixed by longtime collaborator Benny Grotto at Mad Oak Studios, giving it an authentic and powerful sound.

The EP opens with “The Sky’s In Love With You,” a Cure-meets-Elvis Costello pop gem about a secret past haunting the narrator. The song, which serves as the EP's first single, blends the band’s sharp songwriting with an undeniable immediacy. “Corners of the Universe” follows, diving into the mind of a con artist who isn’t quite as clever as they think, while “A Week Without Rain", another single, tells the story of someone re-entering your life and stirring up chaos after years of absence.

“The Last Light” is a hauntingly beautiful track about two lovers saying goodbye as the sun sets on their final night together, capturing the bittersweet nature of parting. The EP closes with “Walter,” a Bowie-esque folk tale that pays homage to the legendary TV psychic Walter Mercado, spinning his larger-than-life presence into a modern myth.

Together, Aloud has created something that proves just how powerful their chemistry can be.

Pre-orders are available through the band’s official Bandcamp store, where fans can also score a limited-edition 12” vinyl and an exclusive bonus track—“Stay A While (I Don’t Mind),” the b-side to “The Sky’s In Love With You.”

Observer Affect is out everywhere December 6, 2024 on Lemon Merchant Records.