The Lanterns- Last Generation
Engineered and Mixed by Jim Tierney | Mastered by Chris Decato | Recorded at Electric Cave, Portsmouth NH

The Lanterns would be a typical pop/rock band if they weren't so damn catchy. Last Generation is a collection of fast-paced pop tunes stripped down to their punk origins.

Courtney Denison's voice, though not unpleasant, retains its no-nonsense chick-power monotony throughout, but each song sounds different thanks in large part to the noodling bass and sharp riffs. "Someone Like You" features racing, almost rockabilly guitars that, paired with the rapid-fire vocals, could allow it to pass for Bad Religion's cooler little sister. "California Girls" is, unlike its Beach Boys predecessor, a slowed down, more introspectively longing number. However, the sleepy guitars and lounge-room drumbeats make it one of the only flat-lining tracks. Speed is their strength with songs like "Hey Joey" and "Riverside" where the jangly guitars and excited bass highlight the poetic stories of the songs. The rolling drums of "Massachusetts Can't Live Without You," introduce a contrast for the vocals as they subdue the music enough to let Denison actually sing and hold her notes. The title track, "Last Generation," presents a harder edge comparable to The Cure if Robert Smith took a few anti-depressants. The steady racing guitars are the same, but the overall sound is uplifting, cushioned by the rich bass and carefree drums. In direct contrast to this song though, the album comes to a hushed, and bittersweet end with, "Polar Grape Soda, 2 Straws," where the vocals are accompanied by a lone guitar, the other instruments pitching in to remind us they're still there as they harmonize to carry it to the finish. (self-released)

-Leyla Hamedi

http://www.performermag.com/nep.recordedreviews.0805.php