Album Review: The Last

May 2nd saw the release of The Last, the 5th album release by 2 a.m. Orchestra. The brainchild of David Kelly, a Californian who has made Aotearoa his home.

Opening with the title track of the album, I was immediately struck with the thought that The Last is a song of the world. Influences can be heard that seem inspired by everything from Spanish guitar, Middle Eastern chord progressions, Irish and Celtic strings. even Indian and Eastern European drums. An international concoction that combines to create a driving force behind Kelly’s melodic vocals, which glide seamlessly over top. The half point breakdown is reminiscent of early 2000’s Muse, and System of a Down’s signature vocal riffs.

Dying Star appears at first as a melancholic farewell to a lost love. Kelly weaves his lyrics and vocals together with inspiring instrumentals. Creating a message of mourning the past, but leaving the listener inspired for the future. Complementing the transition into the next track In Your Blood. The guitar work steals the show here, creating a simple but catching hook, and carrying through the track. Culminating in a heavier and more aggressive finish, Kelly’s vocals come back strong for a powerful send off.

Picking up and running with the energy, The Cold comes out swinging. With nods to early-mid 00’s emo artists, such as Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. 2 a.m. Orchestra make the genre their own though, with punchy drums, a switch out of light and heavy guitars, all complementing Kelly’s vocal work. The harmonies and backing vocals combining to give The Cold a vibrant sound.

A sharp application of the brakes comes next. Overcome opens with a simple yet elegant piano intro. Easily the softest track of the album. A commentary of youth with the perspective of age. Seeing dreams fade and responsibilities take their place in a changing world. Overcome is a beautiful exploration of life in a changing world, the falsetto hints in the vocals soar. A standout track and one of my favourites of the album. A gentle touch with a powerful weight.

Coming in with a one-two punch of powerhouse songs, City of The Dead and Graceless Aging lunge forward with energy. Each song taking on conflict of a different type. The former guiding the listener through the horrors of war. The latter exploring conflict with oneself. Each track delivering their message in a melodic and riff driven package. Graceless Aging paying homage to the path trod by artists such as Weezer and Blink182.

Closing out The Last, is one final track with a soft touch, Hold The Light. 2 a.m. Orchestra send us off with a final call to action. To not stand by and stay silent. Holding the light up when the darkness of the world creeps in. Once again, Kelly’s soaring vocals shine here, propped up by acoustic strings. Hold The Light takes on an ethereal tone and provides a fitting farewell to The Last.

The Last by 2 a.m. Orchestra is available for streaming now.