I love it when I put on an album with zero preconceived notions and it absolutely rattles me in a way that I can’t get enough of it. Recently that happened when Loma Prieta released their first album in eight years, Last. From the moment this album starts till the end, it will captivate you and compel you to keep listening as you find all sorts of nuances and intricate moments that leave you wanting more. For a band that’s been around for 20 plus years, you can tell that Loma Prieta still has a lot left to say.

Last is an album that takes many different shapes and turns. Their ability to shift from genres in songs is astounding and it pulls you in even more. Throughout this album there is no shortage of sonic assaults that push boundaries. The chaotic elements breathe musical life into the songs in a way that it’s almost poetic. The intensity that flows through this album is violent yet beautiful. It’s like watching a frozen rose crack. The beauty of it all is encapsulated within these 11 songs. There is a sense of ferocious urgency to songs like “NSAIDs,” “Dose,” and “Fire In Black & White.” Then there’s the songs that are more visceral and epic like “Symbiosis (my favorite on the album),” “Glare” “Dreamlessness” and the closing track “LLC.” I could elaborate more descriptively but, I really don’t want to give anything away.

The cross section of genres explored on Last stem from hardcore, post hardcore, noise rock, space rock and everything in between, shows that they have continuously evolved while still keeping true to their roots. The quiet to loud moments have a clarity that is reminiscent a bit of The Pixies with way more distortion. While the heavier moments hit with an explosiveness that would ignite a wildfire. Loma Prieta have delivered an album that not only hits it out of the park but, also gets down to the nitty gritty of life and the trials and tribulations. There is an intense emotion that soars throughout the album that shows truth and humanity in a way that so many other bands that strive for this, should take note of. Do yourself a favor and listen to this album! It’s without a doubt in my top 5 albums of the year!

Overall Rating: A

Loma Prieta- Last:

Glare (Official Video):