Reviews | June 2009 | Last Lights "No Past, No Future, No Present" 7"

Formed in Worcester, MA in 2007, Last Lights was one of those bands that would get you hooked from the strike of the very first chord. With a brilliant 7" out on MTS Records and a split 7" on Neutral Territory the band got the great opportunity in 2008 to sign a deal with Think Fast! A signing that most likely would have brought some more light on the band, give them better touring conditions and a variety of different opportunities. Sadly the story ended just shortly after signing the deal. While loading out gear from a show in Boston, vocalist Dominic Mallary suffered a brain aneurysm and passed away, just 24 years old. Now, I didn't know Dominic, I never saw Last Lights live, I never even e-mailed with the band. I'm just a fan on the other side of the planet. But, after reading posts about Dominic that his friends wrote online after him passing away it all comes down to one key point - he was an awesome character and will be greatly, greatly missed by those who knew him.

"No Past, No Future, No Present" is a collection of everything that the band ever did plus an additional instrumental song recorded in January, 2009. And damn, it is impressive! Every song on this LP is an explosive discharge and the songwriting is nothing short of exceptional. After playing the record through just once it became quite clear to me that Last Lights is one of the absolute best hardcore bands I've ever heard. The dynamics of the band's sound makes me think of Paint It Black which is probably the best judgment a hardcore band could ever get from me.

I am not gonna go into writing about single songs here because I believe that this is a record that should be enjoyed in its full. The music along with the stunning artwork and layout makes this release not only a worthy celebration of Mallary's life but an epic little masterpiece that EVERYONE should pick up. Get on it!