Diamond Jubilee
Cindy Lee
Since its beginning in San Francisco, California, in 2005, Loma Prieta has demonstrated a dizzying musical dexterity, blending elements of screamo, post-hardcore, and punk to create songs that attack with turbulent intensity.
Last is Loma Prieta's first full-length LP since Self Portrait (2015), and its 11 tracks remain true to the band's ethos. Like Self Portrait, Last was recorded by engineer Jack Shirley at Atomic Garden Studios (Deafheaven, Gouge Away), so it’s no surprise that the two albums share a sonic footprint. But where Self Portrait and previous efforts often sounded shadowed or dimly lit (Loma Prieta translates to “Dark Hill”), Last is noticeably brighter. Light brazenly breaks through across the record (hear, for instance, “Circular Saw”, “Symbios”, and “Glare”). The result is a dynamic experience charged with raw emotion and diversity of mood and tone.
Loma Prieta is one of my favorite bands, and I waited a long time (8 years!) for Last. It did not disappoint. Last is the album I turned to most in 2023, and I’ll keep going back, and it will not cease to reward.