Album review: L.S. Dunes – Past Lives

When the word 'supergroup' gets thrown around and musicians from great bands coalesce, the level of excitement that sits within the pit of your stomach can soon be deflated by a quite uninspired finished product. However, for L.S. Dunes – consisting of members of My Chemical Romance, Circa Survive, Coheed & Cambria and Thursday – and their highly-anticipated debut Past Lives, this is far from being the case. In fact, their collective work fits together harmoniously to create an 11-track record brimming with post-hardcore brilliance.

Reflective, cynical and hard-hitting in nature, Past Lives is a record not afraid of its subject matter, uncompromising on its formula and wonderfully crafted sonically. Opener 2022 is a poignant reminder of the fragility of the human mind, with Anthony Green pensively singing: 'If I can't make it 'til 2022, at least we'll see how long I can swim / I sometimes wish she hadn't found me on the night / I tried to disappear / All at once,’ all backed with crashing drums, frenetic riffs and uplifting melodies.

It’s a record that grows in stature and grandeur with each listen; from your initial spins it develops from this subtle post-hardcore album, almost D.I.Y in feel, to a mature, masterful emo album. From the brooding chimes of Grey Veins to the visceral beatings of the title-track, everything they have accomplished on this album is nothing short of extraordinary.

Penultimate track Permanent Rebellion is a true standout moment, walking a line between pain and suffering to unabashed optimism, with Anthony's vocals erupting with guttural fury, while the rest of the band assault their instruments with vigorous ire. It’s the crowning moment, allowing every single member to shine so lustrously.

Even though its established heads with glistening careers coming together to produce this record, it’s far from a small plaything. It feels refreshing, and like a bunch of really good mates have got together to share their experiences with the world. L.S. Dunes could well change the tide on all things post-hardcore.

Verdict: 4/5

For fans of: Thursday, Circa Survive, My Chemical Romance

Past Lives is out now via Fantasy

Read this: L.S. Dunes: “We didn’t realise how much we needed this band until we started writing for it”