When I asked Last Dinosaurs to describe their album, they told me In A Million Years is a “carefully considered guitar shredding pop” album. Normally, a lot of artists make over-exaggerated claims about their music; but in this case I reckon they were being a little modest.
The first track of the album, ‘Zoom’, pretty much showcases Last Dinosaurs at their best. The riff is guaranteed to get stuck in your head and is potentially the best (or worst, depending on your stance) ear-worm since Foster the People’s ‘Pumped Up Kicks’. It’s indie guitar music at its catchiest. The same intense riff is carried on through to ‘I Can’t Help You’ making for the smoothest transition possible, as well as keeping the same infectious vibe, albeit with a slightly darker stance.
‘Sunday Night’ is probably one of the most surprising tracks on the album. The verses sound like they could be easily used as relaxing elevator music, but the chorus brings out their knack for guitar riffs again and completely changes the atmosphere of the song that insists that if you were in an elevator you’d have to start dancing.
‘Time & Place’, ‘Andy’ and ‘Weekend’ have the similar sharp use of guitars and drum beats that make each song as catchy as the last. Couple this with lyrics that actually are a little bit different and quirky (‘Time & Place’ is a song about Nikola Tesla no less) and Sean’s voice (which most closely resembles Friendly Fires’ Ed Macfarlane and Thom Mars from Phoenix)—it means you’ll find something to like on almost every track.
Unfortunately towards the end of the album it feels like they begin to run out of a little steam because their slower number ‘Used to Be Mine’ lacks any of the spark that makes the rest of the album and, to quote the lyrics, it “feels fucking boring”. ‘Repair’ is similarly lacklustre and lasts about 2 minutes too long. It’s a massive shame that sandwiched between these two tracks is ‘Honolulu’ which pretty much bleeds warm sunsets and summer all over the guitars.
In A Million Years is an album with so much potential that provides on almost every front. If you’re looking for a little bit of summer to help get you through the autumn downpours, then look no further.
8/10
