RIGHT from the off, Lust’s set out a clear agenda. Organs shrouded in echo and distant fuzz crackle over elusive vocals as the band construct a simmering sound-scape of an introduction to their debut LP, Illuminations.
With noise-makers Hookworms’ MJ at the helm of production on Leicester-born brothers Andy and James Stone’s full-length debut, expectations are miraculously high for Lusts’ first outing.
Opening track ‘Sometimes’ eases into life full to the brim with crisp, swirling guitars and synth-melodies underpinned by driving drums and an Editors-esque vocal. It’s a decent track, with Lusts’ new-wave nuances very much at the fore but its ‘Careless’ which is Illuminations’ first truly arresting moment. Their sound filters through a luxurious film of echo, jangling guitars immediately recalling The Cure and even Echo and the Bunnymen. The track’s chorus, a refrain of “careless”, hints at a slightly less miserable Jesus and The Mary Chain fronted by Michael Stipe while a later breakdown fuelled by urgent high-hats and bass summons up New Order.
There are doubtless numerous influences at play but Lusts have created a sound which successfully marries a contemporary style with their nostalgic tastes. They are slightly restricted by their formulaic approach, with a tracks such as ‘The Chair’ and ‘Temptation’ playing out within very similar sonic boundaries but as they reach the back-end of the album, ‘Waves’, the album’s latest single gives the entire LP a second lease of life.
‘Waves’ could be an 80’s classic. Dazzling reverb-laden guitars lead the way before falling away to allow a brilliant vocal melody to power on towards an urgent and engrossing chorus. Definitely one of the album’s high points and a fine example of confident, concise songwriting, ‘Waves’ is a track you could listen to over and over again.
‘Bad Weekend’ and ‘Don’t Kiss Me’ slip back into comfortable territory before ‘Fountain of Youth’ rumbles into life with a bassline and vocal harmonies that’s a fluttering homage to Joy Division and TV on the Radio. Synths bring a little lightness as the song edges forward. It’s tentative, considered and feels a little more real than some of the album’s other songs.
Album closer ‘Mouthwash’ is another great track which re-affirms just why Lust’s are worth a listen. There are moments on Illuminations when the band play it safe but when they hit their stride Lusts are a nostalgic force of sleek songwriting, glimmering instrumentation and a hell of a lot of reverb.
Watch the video for ‘Waves’ below:
