After a successful debut album, Lastlings drops their second album on Rose Avenue and gears up for headlining North American tour.
It wasn’t even two years ago that we covered the debut album First Contact from Lastlings, and album that made it clear that the brother/sister duo had quite a future ahead of them. Early in their career the connected with fellow Australians RÜFÜS DU SOL and they have never looked back. What’s exceptionally beautiful about the partnership they have formed is that Lastlings has a sound that is very uniquely their own, yet there’s still a subtle and clear influence from the RÜFÜS DU SOL trio. And where First Contact was somewhat rooted in Japanese fantasy, the sophomore album, Perfect World, is very much grounded in the deepest humanity.
It’s about seeing and accepting the imperfect things in life. Everything is perfect when you’re growing up and watching all the princess movies. You have this idea of love, and growing up, you start to realize it can be messy, but it’s still very beautiful. In this album, we want to show everyone that that is okay. Life is going to be messy; all these things happen, and you’re not alone.
Amy Dowdle, Lastlings
I had the pleasure to see them live as they supported RÜFÜS DU SOL on tour last year at the open air Forest Hills Stadium. Amy continued to belt out song after song as she and Josh drove indie electronic melodies into the sunset. If you get the chance to see them live, don’t miss out; Lastlings puts on an energetic show behind those beautiful vocals. In fact, the duo will be on tour later this year in support of Perfect World, so there’s no better time than now to catch them.
Purchase or stream Perfect World from your platform of choice and read on for a deeper dive into the album!
Stream Lastlings – Perfect World on Spotify:
While some producers impress with their broad range, others stay narrow, but go deep – and that’s where we find Lastlings.
I am the first to call out artists with an impressive range. However, what’s just as impressive, and often more impressive, is when an artist can stay inside a well-defined range while producing track after captivating track. Lastlings have made their lane clear, and it could be called “indie electronic,” but whatever you call it, you’ll likely be impressed and drawn in. The opening track, “Holding Me Like Water,” wastes no time highlighting Amy’s singer/songwriter talents, with a light and airy vocals on top of a barely-there melody. Josh’s melodic talents are close behind with a driving beat that assures the listener that Lastlings wrote their music for dancing.
While the opening track is one of five that were released ahead of the complete album, the next two tracks are brand new. “Perfect World” and “Better Off Without You” reinforce the emotions brought forth in the preceding tracks, emotions tied to love and love lost. “Perfect World” hints of RÜFÜS DU SOL influence at the open, but as synths, atmospheres, and lyrics are layered in, the sound is nothing but Lastlings, through and through.
Some say that electronic music shouldn’t be filled with vocals, and they should only be used sparingly. Some go so far as to say that electronic tracks with full vocals are basically pop tunes. To this I’d first counter, “is that inherently a bad thing?” More importantly, the next three tracks on the album are all perfect examples of electronic tracks with full vocals that deserve the space on the dance floor right next to lyricless trance and techno songs. Not only will “Noise,” “Out My Head,” and “Get What You Want” keep everyone dancing, they might also get them singing, too. There’s nothing like a crowd full of strangers all connecting as they share in a singular, musical moment like this.
The Perfect World album is beautiful cohesive, and it also provides some lovely contradictions as well.
“Let You In” and “Learning To Love” may share messages of heartbreak and recovery, but their musical stories couldn’t be more different. Where “Let You In” borders on ballad, “Learning To Love” has a driving beat that will froth up the dancefloor. Both carry a hopeful message, but each deliver it in a different style.
Next up is previously released “Gravity” and a personal standout from the new album. “Gravity” is another track that opens with such simplicity – Amy’s rising vocals, and a wispy melody. And, again, as it builds and layers, we get a luscious and complex banger that feels somewhat unexpected, but very much welcomed. The mid-track drop back into vocal-driven sounds is dark and haunting. The build returns us to a more euphoric state and in under four and a half minutes we’re taken on a complete journey.
The tenth track provides a needed interlude after the emotional rollercoaster of “Gravity” and before we bring this story to a close.
“Closer (Interlude)” is a needed palate cleanser at just the right time. While I don’t think it’s necessary to put “Interlude” in the title, I do very much appreciate when producers treat their album as a singular story and deliver what is needed so the listener can fully absorb what’s coming at them. “Closer (Interlude)” reminds us of the highs and lows, love and loss, that we’ve experienced in the preceding tracks, but also in life. It’s a small track with a big message.
The penultimate “What Good Am I” is another perfect example of the Lastlings sound without being at all repetitive or derivative. This track will be just as comfortable on a Top 40 radio station as it will be on the dancefloor, and everything in between. No matter the environment, this track will get in your ears, and in your brain.
As we being the final track, we’re presented with a fast moving rhythm, a low-key set of breaks. This “Far From Falling” opening rhythm is slightly muffled, right into the initial vocals. As the first verse concludes, the rhythm and melody become crisp and clear, just like the hopeful lyrical message being delivered. The breaks continue throughout, underlying a buoyant storyline and melody. It’s the kind of track that might stop the dancefloor in its tracks, as revelers bob their heads to the beat and focus on taking in the song, the lyrics, and the message being delivered.
“We were trying to explore a bit of scientific examination, like contradicting organic and artificial, natural versus engineered, and random verses planned,” Josh said about the release. And well, I’m happy to say that they nailed that in spectacular fashion.
Lastlings – Perfect World – Tracklist:
- Holding Me Like Water
- Perfect World
- Better Off Without You
- Noise
- Out My Head
- Get What You Want
- Let You In
- Learning To Love
- Gravity
- Closer
- What Good Am I
- Far From Falling
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