The well of talent in the UK’s underground scene runs deep, with bands fighting for attention. Amongst them is Oxfordshire’s Lastelle. 12 months ago, they received plenty of praise for their ‘Exist vol i’ EP. Honing in on an emotional post-hardcore space that they share with the likes of Holding Absence and Casey, it allowed the emerging quintet to explore themes of mental health, lost love, and personal struggles. ‘vol ii’ promises to bring Lastelle‘s ‘Exist’ to a conclusion with five new songs.
While its predecessor set the benchmark relatively high, its sequel exceeds it. The title track opens with gorgeous, atmospheric guitars that ring out as drummer Mike Hayden provides soulful, clean vocals. Alongside lead vocalist Adam Rigozzi, they establish an emotional tone riddled with hurt and regret. The gradual build involves Hayden’s tribal drums giving way to crescendoing guitars from Rich Lester and Jonjo Williams. Alongside bassist Freddie Whatmore, it’s a powerful introduction.
The momentum is carried forward on ‘Tired Eyes’. Hayden’s longing, melodic vocals allow them to create an anthemic hook, with Rigozzi’s countering with anguished words of emotional exhaustion. Threaded with a narrative persistence, it’s an impassioned number that resonates with musical strength.
‘Bitter Roots’ post-rock ambience, with Whatmore’s mournful French horn, serves as a prelude to ‘Bitter Seeds’. As the tear-soaked German voice message erupts into Rigozzi’s frenzied vocals and gigantic drums, Lastelle‘s sound is as big as ever. Its pacing between the post-hardcore wall of sound and reflective atmospherics merely elevates the lyrical frustration, acceptance, and reflection of being in a toxic relationship. However, they considerably leave their best till last.
For an up-and-coming band to conceptually not only do a sequel to an EP, but also a sequel to a song that was released six years ago, is a brave move. Nevertheless, that is what EP closer, ‘The Silence Hurts the Most II’ aims to do. With piercing percussion, soaring guitars, and Hayden and Rigozzi’s vocals weaving around each other, it allows Lastelle to finish their ‘Exist’ in staggering form. Aided by towering guitars and a thick bass line, ‘The Silence Hurts the Most II’ is equally heavy and cathartic. Its structure is compelling, and it is built with an abundance of emotion, allowing the payoff to be definitely rewarding.
Connected by poignant themes of denial, loneliness and loss, ‘Exist Vol. ii’ elevates Lastelle as stirring songwriters. When attached to a cinematic post-hardcore sound, it leaves their potential wide open. Although there are only four (proper) songs on here, they make up for it by being emotionally deep and musically compelling.
‘Exist Vol. II’ by Lastelle is released on September 12th on You Rang? Records.
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