L.S. Dunes – Violet [Album Review]

 

Say what you will about supergroups, sometimes they just hit the mark. L.S. Dunes most certainly fall into the category of supergroups with intent and purpose.

Born of uncertainty in tumultuous times, the band, led by Anthony Green (Circa Survive, Saosin), put out a stellar debut with 2022’s Past Lives and after a few years and a few amazing tours across the globe, the boys have decided to follow up that success with their latest offering Violet.

The second outing for the supergroup is somewhat of a more subdued affair than its predecessor, but the collective has definitely found their rhythm and the result is absolutely astonishing, nothing short of equal to the sum of their individual parts.

Beginning ever-so-subtly with Like Magick, Green’s signature heartfelt croon bursts forth from the speakers and ushers in a lavishly gorgeous buffet of sounds before Fatal Deluxe takes what was started on Past Lives and puts it up on a whole other level. The songwriting, the riff work, the overall flow of the album, it’s all reaching far beyond the debut and as it rightly should.

The tradeoff guitar parts from Frank Iero (My Chemical Romance, Leathermouth) & Travis Stever (Coheed & Cambria) make for such an interesting combination of sounds, as witnessed on the rhythmic yet swirling riff work on You Deserve To Be Haunted.

Songs like Machines and Holograms beautifully showcase the tenured relationship between drummer Tucker Rule and bassist Tim Payne, both hailing from post-hardcore stalwarts Thursday, their instruments blending so seamlessly and just sounding so at home with each other.

While the music is less frantic than their main bands, it’s no less powerful and is certainly not something that will just pass you by. The rhythms of Things I Thought Would Last Forever will have your feet tapping one minute before the chorus will make your head bang with force. Paper Tigers, an absolute standout track from the second half of the album, is a lesson in early 2000’s rock that won’t soon be forgotten.

If you’re a fan of any one of these guys’ music, you will definitely find something to love on this album, even if you don’t enjoy it from start to finish, which I’m almost certain you will. L.S. Dunes, flying the flag for supergroups the world over!

VIOLET – OUT NOW
https://found.ee/LSDunesViolet