LAST LIGHTS "No Past No Present No Future" (Think Fast!) Review by James Hepplewhite
Can I just make a pie chart for No Past No Present No Future that says: 25% vein popping intensity, 25% American Nightmare stylings, 25% Suicide File-esque lyrics and 25% awesome?
Sometimes, bands make me want to throw up my hands. With LAST LIGHTS, it's in the best way. No Past No Present No Future, is the band's discography, bookended by an instrumental written after the band's singer passed away in late 2008 (the tragic result of a live performance accident). LAST LIGHTS channels feelings of personal agitation in a similar manner to that mastered by former Boston-area artists THE SUICIDE FILE and GIVE UP THE GHOST. Short declarative statements, with a couple important words twisted to great lyrical effect push around roaring guitars and manic percussion. Instead of the lyrics being about intimate romantic relationships, they're about the relationship of the path-breaking individual to society, and while these are not new revelations or new topics, the sheer amount of energy that is put into the compositions and performances makes it feel new and dangerous all over again.
Unlike the YEAH YEAH YEAHS, No Past No Present No Future is a real blitz, one that has rage, frustration, catharsis and authenticity coming out of its pores. Its impact will be felt, not just on your eardrums, but in the hardcore scene for years to come.
