ALBUM REVIEW: The Warring Twenties – LostAlone
A band’s first release after a reunion is as exciting as it is tense – both for the band and their fans. After LOSTALONE‘s break-up in 2014, the melodic rock band announced in March that they were reunited and releasing their fourth studio album. This wasn’t their only good news, and they were soon touring with MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, which was bound to introduce them to many new fans. Generally, there’s a lot of pressure on this album making an impact. Finding the balance between staying true to your sound while making this album different isn’t easy, but LOSTALONE seem to have managed it well.
The Warring Twenties is a unique album from the beginning, opening with Enduring The Dream, a track that’s clearly inspired by musical theatre. After the theatrical introduction, heavy guitars kick in. It’s a strange blend of genres, but the seamless combination of rock-inspired riffs and dramatic, drawn out guitar works really well. Although the vocals are catchy and fun, the guitar is really the highlight of this opening track, and the solo towards the end feels like a celebration, proving that LOSTALONE have well and truly returned.
Next up is Time Goes Fast When You’re Having Fun (So For A Long Life You Best Have None) which a ridiculously long title, but it does sum up the lyrics. With the dramatic changes in tempo and some of the words being drawn out, vocalist Steven Battelle’s delivery makes the message of the track all the more impactful. The drums before each verse are a key element to this song as they’re a perfect build-up, amplifying the message. The Last Drop Of Forever was the first single released all the way back in March, and although it would’ve been a great introduction to both the band and the album at the time, in comparison to everything else it isn’t the most exciting or experimental. It does have a memorable chorus, and continues on with the musical theatre-like instrumentals that make this record unique.
Lyrically, The Warring Twenties is extremely interesting and often poetic. It seems to be a deep-dive into the effect the past few years can have on a person, possibly due to the pandemic and the isolation of lockdown, the political instability of the world and climate change. The lyrics can be very existential at times, but they manage to remain hopeful and upbeat, so while it is thoughtful it isn’t completely depressing. Lost & Found Balance seems to veer away from the album’s usual topics, reflected in its stripped-back acoustic sound, where a hypothetical world is created. The metaphors mean listeners are able to have a break from the album’s intensity and get emotional.
The guitars stand out on some of the later songs, and on I Don’t Need A Rocket To Find My Own Space they introduce a heavier element. They’re also crucial on Over Under A Spell, where they blend with the drums to make the song really musically interesting, although the instruments overpower the vocals at times.
It could definitely be argued that their break was needed, as LOSTALONE have certainly found their sound. Where there is room to grow and it’ll be interesting to see what they come out with next, The Warring Twenties has proved to be worth the reunion and will definitely be a hit with fans new and old.
Rating: 7/10
The Warring Twenties is set for release on September 30th via Dharma Records.
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