last dragons - last dragons

Last Dragons

Last Dragons
self-released; 2014

3.9 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Whether you like Last Dragon’s music or not there is no denying it is original. Their self-titled EP Last Dragon contains some sludge metal, horns, tribal rhythms, hyperbolic vocals and a sense of dread like this is the last party you will ever be attending. It’s over the top in a good way. There is a sense of humor in the music, which defuses the pretension that could easily exist. Instead of coming off as overly artsy they come off as a bunch of misfits who couldn’t care less what you think. That being said the music feels like they want you to join the party just don’t be lame and come as you are. 

The opener “Runnin' Red Lights” is essentially sludge metal with horns. A distorted guitar runs through a couple of power chords as blaring horns add unexpected spice. The front man Sunru Skywaka brings his own unique vocal style to the music that you won't confuse with anyone else’s.  Once you get to the last quarter of the song it is bursting with guitar, synths and percussion all adding to sounding like a cathartic purge of tension. 

“Hey Lil' Lady” layers those horns on a phase-y, distorted guitar and contains a great chorus. The vocalist sounds like TV on the Radio and contorts his voice making one of the highlights on the EP.

“Call to the Tribes” is the centerpiece of the album and is a constant build up and release. The intensity rises as the singer leads the rest of the vocalists in a chant that sounds like music you would be listening to with your new tribe after the apocalypse hit. “Big Cities” is a fast-hitting song grounded in punk rock while the closer “California” has shades of early Red Hot Chili Peppers.

I wasn't sure what to think of this EP at first but now I’m a full-fledged fan. These guys blend genres without it sounding contrived and corny. It’s visceral music that makes you feel alive.

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