One of the best things about being a two-bit sketchy promoter is that you come across some amazing talent; LAST OUT probably being one of the most memorable acts I’ve come across over the last couple of years. It was a shame that they split up before this E.P got released as I really think they could have made a name for themselves. The raw talent is here in abundance and they had a sound which I can only call their own as I still haven’t really heard anything quite like it and I doubt I will.
As soon as opening few bars of ‘On the Plate’ kick in you know you’re going to be in a rollercoaster of a ride. Before the vocals come in there’s a minute and a half’s worth of sheer double time mayhem combined with some of the most over top guitar playing you’re likely to hear, but it works better than it reads. They manage to keep it up throughout the whole recording though which is even better although I still feel they are more than a guitar-geek band, although the nerds will love it to bits, pure fantasy tech-punk.
What completes LAST OUT‘s sound is Liam’s unique voice and, at times, nonsensical lyrics. He clearly has a penchant for big hooks as well, most notably the chorus in ‘Generate in Grace’ but they really make you wait for it. Not in a METALLICA sort of way where you have to wait 5 minutes for one good riff, LAST OUT seem to have a knack of stringing together consistently great riffs with one hand whilst throwing the song structure rule book out the window with the other.
However, it’s not all speed tech chaos; there are much more melodic moments showing signs of influences further a field than the tech-skate-punk boundaries. And that is essentially what makes this such a unique recording; it’s just like nothing else I’ve ever really heard. Yeah, you can pick out influences from VAN HALEN through to SLICK SHOES/STRUNG OUT styled skate punk and the more recent post-hardcore emo explosion via the Hammet and Hetfield school of shred, but it gives way to something bordering on the ingenious whilst escaping the clutches of pretentiousness, but only just, as they also flirt with some psychedelic musings on the last track, ‘Morning Serious’ which takes the CD to an unexpected finish along with the reversed vocal looped secret track. But in reality, this is what LAST OUT did, just took things where you wouldn’t expect a bunch of 17 year old kids to take it. They were still maturing and the signs are evident in places, but this CD has remained near the top of my collection for a year and will continue to stay there for more. I’d give it 4.25 if I could
Mike