Long Lost (featuring members from popular acts, such as Transit and Aviator) have built an enormous amount of hype since their inception. This hype has been set by the small snippets and offerings of material (demos and singles), released on various samplers in between intervals, which has only exacerbated the anticipation for an eventual full-length release - A long wait that has lead to the debut release, Save Yourself, Start Again.
The record opens with “Not Worth It”, a brief song in its duration, however, memorable as a prologue to the journey of self-discovery that is ahead of listeners with Save Yourself, Start Again. Vocalist Joe Boynton is endearing with the brutal honesty, which is emulated through the subtle tones that his voice succumbs to.
“Look Back And Wave” provides listeners with one of the earliest glimpses of promise within the band's range, as they stretch themselves towards a climatic close of tremolo rings behind a towering wall of guitars. On “Look Back And Wave”, Long Lost show the efforts they go to in providing a testament to indie of any derivative with the utilization of auxiliary effects; a significant dynamic, which is apparent on Save Yourself, Start Again.
On “Old News”, Boynton’s ability to drift in and out of the narrative that he projects is commendable, acting as the most informed spectator on the scenario of the various degrees of dissonance shared (“Avoiding each other’s gaze like strangers on trains, waiting for the whole thing to crash or derail”). Boynton’s ability also lies in the way he appears as the most visually-appropriate subject, where he places himself as the source of discontent on “Drive With Me” (“Now I use that hand to pen these words and tell the world of the life I’ve pissed away...”). Boynton’s pen takes on a world of its own, visually painting the landscape with his mere audible words.
The title-track signals a shift in tone, however, avoids the turmoil of a change in direction significantly. Save Yourself, Start Again continues to excel at a steadfast pace. On the title-track, a Death Cab For Cutie Transatlanticism influence is evident, with the angular space between the instrumentation rhythmically, enhancing the authenticity of the notions of disconnect with the turbulent perceptions of life. The title-track is apt, acting as the epicenter of the record, anchored by the insight of ambivalence towards forces beyond control.
“Wild Hearts” appears as a puff of fresh air, providing an upbeat alt-country swing to the caliber of tricks up Long Lost’s sleeves. “Want”, however, is a blunt drop from the heights propped by the uplifting nature of “Wild Hearts”, where listeners are left in a dazed state to contend with the brief, minimal muffed guitars and single-accent pound of drums. “Want” is just the track to cause tremors and tilt you on your head, already full of preconceived notions of the record at this point. The shoegaze-esque climax is a comforting delight as you come to your senses.
The confidence in Boynton as a vocalist is palpable on “This Love Will Grow”, where he finds the reigns to the listener's attention and tugs ferociously by the sheer shades that his voice delves into throughout this sombre ambient track. However, it is on “You Can Always Come Home” where Boynton gives his most endearing moment as a vocalist/songwriter/narrator to date, which seems encouraged by the strength and novelty appearance of guitarist/co-vocalist Vinny Comeau, as he declares “The years go by quickly so fast that you’re sick of the motion, emotion rollercoaster you’re in...”. The joint effort between both Comeau and Boynton offers listeners with yet another sonically-distinct dynamic that is enchanting about Save Yourself, Start Again.
Closer, “Clean Slate”, rounds out the record to a curb, offering the last delights of the soundscape of clarity emoted throughout by the crystalline sheen of instrumentation. Save Yourself, Start Again is at last a testament to the degrees of authenticity that can be produced from an alternative pop record.
Tracklist:
1. Not Worth It
2. Look Back And Wave
3. Old News
4. Drive With Me
5. Save Yourself, Start Again
6. Wild Hearts
7. Want
8. This Love Will Grow
9. You Can Always Come Home
10. Clean Slate
RIYL: Death Cab For Cutie, late Transit
Rating:
Written by Aaron Akeredolu
