earMUSIC [Release date 31.03.23]
As far as recent ‘superbands’ go I think it is fair to say that Last In Line come from the heavier bluesy rock end of the spectrum when say compared to a band like Revolution Saints. There is a Zeppelin-esque trajectory and of course not forgetting the Dio heritage. Having seen this band in a very small venue just prior to Lockdown I couldn’t help but be impressed by the evident musicality and lineage, and not least the seasoned and rather special guitar playing of Vivian Campbell.
So along comes album number 3 with their vocalist Andrew Freeman now fully settled in the firmament and playing a more commanding role too.
The confidence in this band is well displayed in the several early ‘single’ releases such as ‘Ghost Town’ and ‘Do The Work’ But when they go mid-tempo they can also impress such as ‘Burning Bridges’.
Campbell for his part is a bit of a chameleon, not unlike Reb Beach, in that he adapts easily to any environment be it Dio, the wonderful Shadow King, or more obviously Def Leppard. But Last In Line gives him a true chance to shine. We’re not just talking tone here but the ability to really enhance a song whether it is in the riffage or the little fills and touches which make up the appealing whole.
Whilst the phasers are set to stun throughout there’s a Beatle-esque breakdown in ‘Dark Days’ (the band released a Beatles cover on their EP last year) but, overall, little respite from the heavy rock onslaught. ‘Something Wicked’ sounds like something from the Lynch Mob songbook (perhaps unsurprisingly as Freeman sang with them). And in truth there may be a paucity of really killer tracks.
But, for a band that started out as a Dio tribute, we should salute this third album of original material as a particularly good and evocative example of the genre. ***1/2
Review by David Randall
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
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Power Plays w/c 29 April 2024
BRIGITTE PURDY Sugar Fried Candy (Dirtshack Records)
ATTIC THEORY The Legacy (indie)
THE HOWLERS I Need Your Love (indie)
VELVETEEN QUEEN Bad Reputation (indie)
WILLS AND THE WILLING Scuffed Knees (Smash & Grab Music Ltd)
READY THE PRINCE Still Believe (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 29 April 2024
09:00-12:00 PRAYING MANTIS Defiance (Frontiers)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023
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