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Last Dinosaurs - In A Million Years

(Dew Process)

Last Dinosaurs - In A Million Years

Back in 2010 I stumbled upon an iTunes single of the week called "As Far As You’re Concerned" by a young Australian band called Last Dinosaurs. The energy and furious tempo caught me and I became an instant fan. I then proceeded to purchase the band's entire back catalogue (which consisted of one EP, "Back From The Dead").

Two years later there’s significantly more material and a much larger fan base, thanks to the release of their debut album In A Million Years. This indie rock gem, created with the help of producer Jean-Paul Fung, was a hotly anticipated release for eager (and patient!) fans, as well as major music organisations like Triple J.

Hit single and album opening track "Zoom" sets a precedent which is followed by the remainder of tracks on In A Million Years. Its fast pace and easily sung lyrics ("I don’t want to be just another/ Finally we can be part of history") make it a sure-fire dancefloor winner, much like another track off the album, "Andy", which sees a chorus of "You don’t really have to change, change for me/Nothing ever is the same, without me" accompanied by a lively guitar riff that in itself is enough to get you on the dancefloor.

"Honolulu", originally released as part of the "Back From The Dead" EP, makes its return, albeit sounding much smoother, due to being re-recorded and mixed by notable sound engineer Eliot James. The track, however, still retains as much appeal as ever from its catchy beats and alluring lyrics that document a new, young love.

For the majority of the time, In A Million Years is set at a lightning-fast pace, with high-energy tracks such as "I Can’t Help You", "Sunday Night" and the track praising, of all people, inventor Nikola Tesla, "Time and Place", all appearing in a short space of time. However, when interlude "Satellites" rolls around the album takes on a bit of a lull before once again raising the tempo, launching into "Weekend", an ode to young love.

"Used To Be Mine" slows down the tempo once more as the band delivers a rock ballad about a lost love. They do it well, however, teaming brooding vocals and stunning guitar work together to make it a standout track.

Bringing a close to the album is "Repair", which takes a more sombre tone as it winds its way through simple verses and choruses. Vocals take a back seat in this track, with the brilliant melodies and rhythms that the Last Dinosaurs create put on show, much more than ever before.

In A Million Years is the sort of album that’s made up of tracks you can easily listen to over and over again. Every single one leaves some sort of impact on you, whether it be a catchy guitar riff, or a certain line that sticks in your head all day and that’s exactly what the band intended. To me, that says their debut album has been a resounding success.

4 out of 5.

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