L.S. Dunes "Past Lives" Review
The debut album from supergroup L.S. Dunes, Past Lives, takes decades of songwriting prowess across several alternative rock giants and combines their efforts to make something undeniably special. Bringing together members of My Chemical Romance, Thursday, Coheed and Cambria, and Circa Survive, the band boasts a sound that takes influence from and blends all of its members’ personal endeavors and individual experiences, while still feeling fresh, modern, and original.
From the moment the album opens all the way until the mellow conclusion of “Sleep Cult,” L.S. Dunes succeed at keeping the listener completely enthralled in the music, with aggression and passion present and tangible with every lyric and vocal melody. Vocalist Anthony Green has never sounded better, boasting expressive dynamic range as he seamlessly flips between emotive belting, piercing screaming, and gentle lulling - often within the same song. These shifts are perfectly demonstrated on songs such as “Antibodies,” with a chorus calling on the full volume of his scream, before sliding into a tame and lowly-sung verse. The vocal control presented is truly remarkable. Drummer Tucker Rule’s skill is on full display here as well, weaving intricate details between hard-hitting and heavy-handed rock grooves. Keeping each song’s groove focused and tight while also giving each a unique identity, with beats or fills that keep each track moving without feeling repetitive or stale, is a most impressive feat. From the bombastic introduction of the title track “Past Lives” to the more subdued and straightforward groove of “Bomb Squad,” Tucker is able to tie each song together tastefully amidst the chaotic soundscapes of Iero and Steever’s guitar work and Green’s aforementioned vocals. Though every individual’s musical talent is highlighted and utilized to its fullest potential, at no point does any song feel too busy or as if one musician is pulling focus from the message.
Lyrically, the album takes on a number of powerful themes, with “2022” speaking to the struggle to find the will to carry on in one’s daily life, with Green exclaiming “I sometimes wish she hadn’t found me on that night I tried to disappear.” Green has spoken very candidly about the struggle he experienced throughout the course of the pandemic and how the call to front this band gave him an outlet to create that was so desperately needed, and that energy is channeled in this track, with his vocal performance echoing the desperate and hopeless feelings of the lyrics. Similarly, the debut single “Permanent Rebellion” speaks to taking back what is rightfully one’s own. With the album being written in a time when uncertainty about the future of live music was abundant, the group wrote a high-energy anthem about being able to take control and take charge. Fortunately, the return of live music has also seen L.S. Dunes begin to play these songs for audiences, with select festival appearances already under their belt and more sure to come.
Past Lives highlights the musicianship of a group of individuals that are pioneers of modern rock music, all the while feeling like a cohesive body of work written by a band that has been playing together for many, many years. It is very apparent that this project is nothing less than a complete investment on the part of the band members, as this does not come across as a lackluster side project by any standards. The songs on this record are expertly crafted, with impactful lyrics and powerful instrumentals that are sure to solidify the group as a mainstay in alternative rock.
8/10
