The Last Dance - Perfect
(c) 2001 Apollyon
Artist....: The Last Dance
Album.....: Perfect
Reldate...: 2001-00-00
Source....: CD
Discs.....: 1
Type......: Normal release
Tracks....: 13
Genre.....: Gothic Rock
Label.....: Apollyon
Catalogue#: Apo CD21053
Encoder...: FLAC 1.3.1
Quality...: 1010kbps / 44.1kHz / 2 channels
URL.......: http://www.thelastdance.com/
Tracklist:
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1 Parade 5:47
2 Fairytale The Storm 4:33
3 Regret 4:34
4 Winter 4:54
5 Without Words 5:49
6 Lost 5:01
7 The Haunting 5:43
8 Lullaby 4:54
9 Perfect 4:14
10 10 4:14
11 Perfect The Eleven Mix 5:53
12 Winter Standing Still 8:22
13 Untitled 4:58
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68:56
Total:523.44MB / 68:56
Release Notes:
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The Last Dance have made quite a name for themselves since their forming in 1990
by original members Rick Joyce (guitars) and Jeff Diehm (vocals). Joining them
is Peter Gorritz (bass), Robert Schott (keys) and "Lucky" Ivan D. (drums). Prior
to releasing Perfect, their fourth CD release, they've also provided us with
Staring At The Sky (1998), Fairytales (1996) and Tragedy (1995). In addition to
these there are a few older cassette releases as well. They also have an
impressive list of compilation appearances - especially in the "tribute"
category. They've appeared on tributes to Dead Can Dance, Siouxsie and the
Banshees, Joy Division and The Mission. They've also appeared on compilations
over and above these - it really is an astounding list.
It all started in 1990 and was followed by their 1991 Everyone release on
cassette. Having a synthy new-wave or goth-pop style, The Last Dance permeate
this with a darker and moodier countenance. This is leant to much by a droning
low bass sound which has that poppy kind of bounce to them - just a little touch
of slap. It's quite hard to do, really. The band attempts to give each player
and instrument their own place to step forward without an egotistical sound.
Guitars are there when you need them to provide a high-pitched solo when
necessary - but not all the time. Keyboards have a comfortable opening in a few
songs such as Winter and The Haunting. But unlike most bands, other instruments
will open other songs, like the guitars on Without Words and the closing track
10. The drums are well done and comfortable with all the other instruments.
Highlights of Perfect, at least for me, include the opening track, Parade.
Peter's bass line is superb and the guitars come in loud and with a razor sharp
edge on them. This is where you, for the first time (well, it is the first
trackà) realize how far TLD have come in how well they sound together. The
"tightness" of the sound and arrangements is excellent. Again on track 2, with
Regret, Peter's slap-style bass line kicks much ass. Getting a bit more
electronic-like and giving you a place to dance, Infinite is a fine new-wave
style song hearkening back to the 80s. Robert's opening synths to the nominal
track, Perfect, are wonderfully done and arranged. This is another good song to
dance to with a comfortable rhythm and synth-pop flare.
Only one other track I'd like to mention - and that's not to say that the others
here, Lost, Winter, (For Now) Goodbye and The Haunting aren't worthy of mention
- I just want to leave something for you to look forward to when you pick up
your copy you understand. The other track is the excellent ballad, Without
Words. I actually read a review where somebody stated that Jeff was a terrible
singer. Now don't take that to heart - it was Industrial Nation. But if there is
any doubt in your mind about whether or not Jeff can carry a tune, listen here.
He's quite good here with a strong male voice in the baritone range. It carries
well, doesn't fall flat nor go sharp. No, the man doesn't have the range of
three octavesàbut he is quite good enough for the music he creates. He knows his
limitations and instead of trying to do what he knows he can't TLD write their
music to make sure that each of their members, vocalist included, can stay
within the realm of their best.
Now I can't say that Perfect is as the name says. But I can tell you that The
Last Dance have risen to the challenge. Studio production is excellent. Musical
arrangements are tight and controlled. All instruments have their time. From
synth-pop dance flares to meaningful and deep touching ballads