Last Band, originally from Maryland but now based in Massachusetts and Oregon respectively, have been very active of late despite the distance between the two sole members Patrick Paul and Matt Le Grow or perhaps because of it. Regardless, I am not complaining whatsoever because new music from these two extremely talented musicians is always a pleasure. They are back with a new full-length, 'Mirrors' which I believe is the most complete recording Last Band has ever created. Both gentlemen share vocal, guitar and bass guitar duties while Patrick handles the drums as well.
After a ”false start” 'Damage Report II' opens up, and then some. Vocally King's X comes to mind while the music goes full steam ahead as Last Band holds nothing back. To me the guys sing about the current political climate where the moral compass has vanished and the side who pays the best gets the support. 'The Negroni Incident' follows and brings up how drinking from the wrong cup can create awkward situations but in the end everything turns out alright...usually. Again a feel of King's X permeates but this time that's mixed with hints of Alice In Chains. Last Band are on a mission on 'Quitting Time II' as they unleash their inner beast. Instead of speed they go for weight which to these ears works so well with the lyrics which deals with relationships being over, it's all done. 'Afterglow I' reflects on whom you had but lost due to bad decisions on behalf of the other one. A feeling of ”what if” and ”let's move on” runs through the song. It's sort of laidback in an Alice In Chains way and it does pick up in pace after a little bit. True to the name 'Defier I' is all about standing up and holding your ground while not bowing down, no matter what. A very cool Helmet groove initiates the song and follows through to the end. The title track, 'Mirrors', deals with looking at yourself as memories burst but seeing someone else, it's not you in the mirror anymore. Tribal-sounding drums holds up the instrumentation and swagger of the composition as Last Band takes it away.
Lyrically 'Defier II', which features Earthday Earleybird, follows part one pretty much to the tee. Musically however Last Band throws a great curve ball as this is what I imagine it would sound like if Candiria and Helmet had a kid! Supertight rhythm section with some vicious guitars...great stuff! 'Afterglow II' picks up where part one left off by the protagonist is searching for a way back to the ex but all the pieces are broken so it won't happen. Hardcore and punkish approach at first only to reach a slow dreamy state before erupting. 'Quitting Time I' continues lyrically from part two while only acoustic guitars and vocal harmonizing takes it away. Eventually more instruments enters the fold gradually building up the song as it moves back and forth tempo-wise. 'Reflecting Own' looks at finally finding your place in life after years of struggling to reach it. Similar to 'Quitting Time I' starting out light and sparse only for the music to slowly increase. Mid-tempo and reflective. Album closer 'Damage Report I' ties everything together perfectly connecting with opener 'Damage Report II'. Lyrically they go hand in hand as Last Band keeps the music low key and sparse with brief spurts of faster playing. About two thirds in though the band opens up wide and takes it away.
Ever since Last Band came out of their hiatus a few years ago, they keep blowing me away with a very diligent and productive recording ethos. But that's not all. The quality of each new release is remarkable. They've always kept high standards as well as constantly evolving without losing themselves. And this is very much apparent on 'Mirrors'. Like I said in the beginning , this is their most complete album any which way you look at it. Excellent, gentlemen, excellent indeed!
-Swedebeast
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