Las Vegas' Last Call finally unveiled their highly-anticipated debut Dog Years. A significant milestone and phase in the band's career after the tumultuous series of misfortune which has plagued the band, including several line-up changes and label troubles. Dog Years is the first offering, the first sign of the revived morale of the band after everything which has been left in the wake.
Dog Years speeds off with the bold opener Generation Gap as the band shift into anthemic territory from the start tempting listeners with its reign of melody with the chorus of "A generation before pities out of pities of love, as their fathers did before them...". It’s thrilling and exceeds all the requirements of an opening track, reeling you in far enough for you to invest your attention as it slides into the first single Bones, gracing listeners with its coupling harmonies of frontman Austin Jeffers and drummer/co-vocalist Adam Blasco retorting into a memorable chord progression which gradually envelopes you. Bones also demonstrates an apt legitimate use of infectious woahs to sing to. Unfortunately Winter Clothes comes up short in delivering the same poignancy as its predecessor and comes across as slightly linear. However the record redeems itself with the title track as it trails into chilling tones.
There are many moments evident on the record where it is clear how Last Call have embraced new terrain since the Stay On The Outside EP, making bigger gains to surpass previous efforts on all forms. Instrumental Limbo ties the second portion of the record going into Braid which is ambitious showing how Last Call have brought in a new vigour of layering the musical scope of its skin with a gleam that is endearing. Braid is blistering as it pounds and burrows its angst into the proximity of your head. Live Like Roark is short and teases the listener with its calculated tug at every feeble string of your attention.
Lyrically the band comes into their own, polishing their craft composing stirring words to their music. No Bridge Back and Breathing Fire provide the most sincerest words and narrative voice as a whole placing listeners as close as confessional to the speakers, where also in Breathing Fire Austin opening words cry of "It seems tonight I’m so sick of all the needs I just have to keep on writing for you kids about my heart and how it breaks...".
In terms of musicianship Dog Years is in a world of its own for the band as each nuance which ties the record and instrumental voice appears perfectly attune to the sentiments which are projected. A revised version of Glassell St. rears its head on the band's full-length and ceases to pant as its melodies encapsulate you. It is one of the brightest moments on the record, forcing you as you hear the choral call and response and Austin Jeffers of "Fuck that band, it’s never the same to me...". Nothing, Ever. is the other shining moment on Dog Years as it’s almost impossible to pinpoint the euphoria as you’re uplifted while listening to the record.
Small Town Blues rounds off the record collectively possessing the spirit prevalent, before straying into the sweeping sonic call to arms of "When I kissed you that night, I said I loved you and I didn’t lie...", which is embracive and hopeful in its tone.
Dog Years is grand and ambitious and although at times runs into predictive territory it showcases a wealth of songs evidence of the bands ambitious drive as musicians. Dog Years is a step in distancing the band away from all the turmoil they have endured with a wealth of songs evident of the units strength, embodied within these timeless songs.
Tracklist:
1. Generation Gap
2. Bones
3. Winter Clothes
4. Dog Years
5. Limbo
6. Braid
7. Glassell St.
8. Live Like Roark
9. No Bridge Back
10. Nothing, Ever.
11. Breathing Fire
12. Small Town Blues
Rating:
Written by Aaron Akeredolu
