Authentic raw folk from the Medway delta.
Chris Broderick & Chris (Arfur) Allen started The Loins as a raw, stripped down acoustic duo in 1990 and soon had Medway legend Billy Childish in their corner. He recorded their first two albums live in his bathroom onto a mono Revox tape machine and released them on his Hangman label. These savage rarities are now swapping hands for big dollars on EBay and are often quoted as major influences by young purveyors of punk/folk.
After a couple more self-released albums and a great album with Billy Childish called At The Bridge they split in 1999. After a six-year lay-off they shook hands and returned in 2005 with a triumphant comeback album, Songs To Hear Before You Die, and a year later were joined by Rob Shepherd, who played junk shop banjo and mandolin on their 2007 album, The Drowned Man Resuscitator.
The group then went from strength to strength with full blown sell out tours of Eastern Europe, Germany & France, plenty of American indie radio plays, and an ever increasing fan base all over the world. Further albums for Damaged Goods include Unravelling England, Stuff, and Here on Earth.
Founder member Chris Broderick, the voice of The Singing Loins sadly passed away in 2022.
After the passing of their dear friend, Chris Broderick, Billy, Arf, and Rob decided to get together and record a 45 in his memory.
The single ‘Song of the Medway’ soon led to a full-length LP with Billy, ‘The Fighting Temeraire’ released at the tail-end of 2022. It contained new songs, old songs re-worked, traditional songs and even a Bob Dylan cover.
A new line-up of the Loins has recently recorded a new album for Damaged Goods. Twelve will be released on 6th September 2024.
The current line-up is…
Rob Shepherd – banjo, mandolin, backing vocals
Arfur Allen – vocals, guitar,
Oli Allen – guitar, backing vocals
Richard Moore – violin, backing vocals
Chris Grenfell – drums, percussion
AND VERY GOOD THEY ARE TOO!