Such is the unquantifiable nature of band chemistry that I can’t think of one “supergroup” worth the name. Piecing a band together from several famous names rarely works out well, but then again, I’d never heard L.S. Dunes. The five beings who comprise this band would probably balk at the term supergroup, but as they contain members of Circa Survive, My Chemical Romance, Coheed And Cambria, and Thursday, no other word will really suffice. Pooling their considerable talents, this quintet prove that their debut album was no fluke and come out swinging with their sophomore long plater Violet, a record that will cement their position as post-hardcore’s brightest band.
Having been preceded by four singles, many will have an inkling of what to expect from Violet, yet nothing can really prepare us for opening track ‘Like Magik’. With a voice dripping emotion and singing a haunting soliloquy, vocalist Anthony Green is at his most confessional and it immediately creates a bond between artist and listener; it’s a very intimate performance and you can’t help but be drawn into his world. Then, when the rest of the band kick in they are equally emotive; the guitars are taunt and tortured and swirl like a tempest whilst the drums and bass are deep and cavernous. It’s strangely disjointed, yet connected, and is symptomatic of L.S. Dunes’ modus operandi and is tailor made for those who like to pick at wounds and look for the light in darkness. On one level tracks such as ‘I Can See It Now…’ are very moshable and are sure to set crowds alight on their upcoming tour, yet they also invite quiet introspection and will suit each equally well. Both musically and emotionally, cuts such as ‘You Deserve To Be Haunted’ push all the needles into the red, and if you need proof that music is a safety valve, the ultimate way to expel negative emotions and cleanse the soul, you need look no further.
Such is the strong connection that Violet draws between artist and recipient, you might feel drained at the conclusion of final track ‘Forgiveness’, but you’ll also feel strangely cleansed. In Violet, L.S. Dunes have produced a more positive album than their debut, as such it’s difficult to know where the band will veer next, but for now, enjoy a band who are at the peak of their powers.
- Violet is released via Fantasy Records/Concord on 31st January 2025.
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Track List:
- Like Magik
- Fatal Deluxe
- I Can See It Now…
- Violet
- Machines
- You Deserve To Be Haunted
- Holograms
- Paper Tigers
- Things I Thought Would Last Forever
- Forgiveness
