L.S. Dunes – Violet – CD Review

American rock supergroup L.S. Dunes recently unveiled their sophomore album ‘Violet’ via Fantasy Records.

 

The sophomore release curse has famously afflicted many a band, but no such issues here, with ‘Violet’ sufficiently building on the bands’ previous release ‘Past Lives’, not reinventing the wheel, whilst at the same time not being a simple rinse and repeat

 

Vocalist Anthony Green of Circa Survive fame’s unique vocal dexterity leads the charge throughout, offering shimmering emotion, all the way up to aggression, and everything in between.

 

Bassist Tim Payne’s tone punches and rumbles throughout the release, standing front and center in a mix to impressive levels I have never come across before, at least in my musical wheelhouse. 

 

Travis Stever, and Frank Lero’s guitar work beautifully rounds out the overall sound of the band, adding tasteful and subtle layers of complexity that never felt out of place or overdone. 

 

Drummer Tucker Rule’s drumming is on point throughout, with rolls and fills so subtly sprinkled into the mix that they complement without overshadowing.

 

The title track ‘Violet’ has already seemingly cemented itself as a fan favorite, and it is easy to see why, boasting a good mix of technical but musical riffs, and emotionally raspy vocals.

At times the pacing of some of the tracks feels a little too slow, but this is very much a matter of personal taste, which is one of the many things that makes music so infinitely fascinating and enjoyable.

 

Overall this is a very solid release, that is sure to appease fans of this American rock ensemble as well as fans of the members’ other projects.

Score 8.5/10

Tracklist

1. Like Magick
2 . Fatal Deluxe
3. I Can See It Now…
4 . Violet
5 . Machines
6 . You Deserve to Be Haunted
7 . Holograms
8 . Paper Tigers
9 . Things I Thought Would Last Forever
10 . Forgiveness
Label – Fantasy
Release – 31st Jan 2025

For all things L.S. Dunes, click HERE and to purchase the album, click HERE