Last Relapse – EP

Atlanta-based band Last Relapse return with an immersive new EP, representing their first release in 13 years. The five-track collection combines guitar-driven rock with expansive textures and memorable hooks, seamlessly moving between introspective moments and high-energy rock passages. From the dynamic opener “Everyone Dances Outside of Their Bodies” to the lush, layered finale “Solfeggio Dream,” the EP highlights the band’s renewed vision and knack for atmospheric, melodic songwriting.

The EP’s opening track “Everyone Dances Outside of Their Bodies” caught our ears a few weeks ago, developing from a haunting, jangling rock sound into an ardent lift-off and satiating guitar solo. Its dynamic production is a fantastic showcase of what to anticipate from the band, who can seamlessly shift between dreamier contemplation and harder-rocking expanses. Ensuing track “Hey Girl” succeeds thoroughly as well, initially embracing a nocturnal, twanging rock appeal. Intensifying vocals — letting out “I can tell there’s bigger fish to fry” — venture into a reverberating ascent, sounding like a lovable cross of Modest Mouse and Matthew Good Band.

Achieving an anthemic rock spirit, “Rats in a Cage” captivates in its soaring vocals and breezy guitar jangles; the “noise stops at night” intrigue expands into a “that they’re even in a cage” refrain with seamless entrancement, artfully referencing a sense of sleepwalking through life and the powers that take advantage of such. Its conclusion is electric, with enthused vocal passion and twangy, colorful guitar-forward allure. “In My Place” then arrives, enthralling as the release’s darkest, lengthiest rock cut — pairing feeling out-of-place lyrical laments with moody guitar layering, and into an invigorating vocal swell to close it out.

EP finale “Solfeggio Dream” absorbs with a lushly climactic build, with shades of The Wrens and Deerhunter in its layered guitar tones and lonesome, angst-y vocal admissions. Glistening guitars and ghostly vocal tones intertwine, the latter ringing out “somebody please press stop!” at mid-point as lulling guitars continue into a hypnotic outro. Full of excellent songwriting and stirring productions, Last Relapse’s EP is a triumphant return.

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Mike Mineo

I'm the founder/editor of Obscure Sound, which was formed in 2006. Previously, I wrote for PopMatters and Stylus Magazine.

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