LAST

Drawing from surf sounds, psychedelic textures, and folk-rock of the 1960s, Los Angeles siblings Joe on guitar, Mike handling vocals, and David on bass assembled the Last in 1976, recruiting Jack Reynolds for drums alongside Vitus Matare on keyboards. Early singles appeared on the band's own Backlash imprint, marking the Last as an influential indie act. Their debut full-length, L.A. Explosion, arrived in 1979 via the Bomp! label and earned praise as a strong and nearly flawless opening statement.

Look Again followed in 1980, issued privately on Backlash. The group returned to Bomp! in 1982 for the Fade to Black EP, then wrapped Painting Smiles on a Dead Man for Lolita Records prior to splitting in 1985. David Nolte subsequently joined Wednesday Week and later Lucky. The band reconvened in 1988 as Joe and Mike Nolte were joined by Luk Lohnes on guitar and vocals, Missy Buettner on bass, and Robbie Rist on drums. That year marked their initial performances beyond California and the release of Confessions through SST. Two further SST albums appeared: Awakenings in 1989 and Gin & Innuendo in 1996. During the Awakenings sessions, Dave Nazworthy took over drums from Rist while David Nolte contributed a guest spot; Nazworthy also performs with the Chemical People.

Across shifting lineups the Last sustained their signature potent power-pop approach, shaped by the regional sounds they absorbed while growing up in Southern California. ~ Nick Kemper