Album Review: Last Dinosaurs - 'Back From The Dead (EP)'

Last Dinosaurs are a young band from Brisbane who play an energetic brand of guitar-driven indie rock that has been earning them attention for all the right reasons. Having scored a spot as a triple j Unearthed feature artist thanks to the attentive ears of presenter Zan Rowe in 2009, the band welcomed newfound exposure which brought on a flurry of tours with local and international acts alike. With momentum steadily flowing, the band then turned to producer Jono Mar (of Lost Valentinos) to polish up their recordings and release this EP.

Choppy, melodic guitars and harmonic vocals are swept up and distilled into a potent little batch of indie rock tunes on this EP. The band has clearly spent a long time refining their sound and it shows as carefully considered song writing keeps the energy high while the melody and infectiousness of each track never ceases to dip.

As its titled suggests, “Honolulu” has an almost tropical vibe about it that is complemented with harmonious wailing during the chorus and a solid rhythm section. It’s a laid-back kind of track that lures the listener into the rest of the EP with its gentle approach.

Breaking up the flow of the EP are tracks like “Saturn”- which sees an electro influence creep into the band’s sound with the addition of keyboards- and “Alps”, which has a slightly more down tempo feel and groove to it in contrast with the other songs.

The highlight of the EP has to be “As Far As You’re Concerned”, which, if you’re a triple j listener, I’m sure you have heard flogged to death over the last few months. However, let’s be honest, this is for good reason because the truth of the matter is it’s a great song with a raw energy and attitude that sets them apart from the pack.

If you like Australian indie rock full of youthful rhythmic snarl and plenty of melody, then check out this EP. It’s a solid release that proves the band has the ambition to avoid an early extinction unlike the monolithic beasts they are named after.

1. Honolulu

2. As Far As You're Concerned

3. Saturn

4. Alps

5. As Far As You're Concerned (reprise)