It’s been a year since I last wrote about Last Relapse, so seeing the Atlanta band’s name pop up with a new single was a welcome surprise. “Throw Away the Key” had me listening right through to the final second and I was happy to have them back on my listening list.
There’s a full-band rock sound here with guitars doing most of the work. The guitar playing is amazing and the strong vocal delivery gives the song direction. The melodies are strong and the writing gives them something solid to carry. The song works because everything is so well put together and the band lets its raw energy come through.
I really like how the production keeps that edge while sounding carefully finished. It has a professional sound, but it hasn’t been cleaned up so much that the character disappears. The songwriting is honest. Frontman David is the man behind the lyrics here and knowing it was the first song he wrote entirely on his own back in 2006 makes his writing abilities even more impressive. It has taken a long time to reach listeners, but it’s finally here.
This new release is an enjoyable rock song from a band I’m happy to be hearing from again. The guitars, vocals and melodies kept me with it all the way through. I really loved this one and I’ll be happy to spend more time with it.
