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While an overly popular Web site like MySpace may not be the most credible source for information, it is a good indicator of what’s hot and what’s not. And it’s safe to say that with a friend count of nearly 6,000 – higher than almost any band from Maine – Last Chance to Reason is one of the state’s hottest groups; and they’re about to return from the woodwork they disappeared into last June. Their return will feature critical lineup changes and new songs showcasing their stylistic evolution.
Following months of constant shows throughout Maine and New England, Last Chance to Reason set out on their third major tour in June, playing the entire East Coast and going as far as Florida. On the tour, disagreements and creative differences with long-time guitarist Dustin Boudreau forced his departure.
“Dustin made it clear that he wasn’t as into the band as everyone else and was thinking about quitting so we basically just cut that cord,” said drummer Evan Sammons, who also programs synth parts on the new songs.
“We figured that with the direction we wanted to go, we didn’t really need a second guitarist,” Sammons said about the 50 percent loss of the guitar equation. “The older stuff has been reworked to accommodate just one guitarist. If anything, it sounds tighter.”
The band has been locked in writing mode for the past several months, composing and rehearsing in their practice space in Belgrade. They have reserved a two-week recording session with acclaimed producer Jaime King in his North Carolina-based studio from Jan. 28 – Feb. 16. King, whose career has spanned across the spectrum of rock and heavy music, has produced over 100 releases by groups from all over the nation and.
Due to chronic throat problems, vocalist Mike Levenseller is unfortunately out of the fold. Levenseller has been the band’s vocalist from the start, through every name change, lineup adjustment and phase of musical development. Replacing Levenseller is Rob Delaney, former vocalist of Maine groups Amaranthus and, more recently, Vatican City. Delaney toured Europe with Washington, D.C.’s Age of Ruin as a fill-in vocalist, playing over 20 shows in nine countries, including Germany and Austria.
“This is by far the best group of guys I have ever worked with. Totally dedicated to making a unique style, and never quick to turn down an idea,” Delaney said. “Vocally, this is the most elaborate and creative I have gotten with my vocals, and it’s a lot of fun to experiment. Last Chance to Reason, for me, has every aspect of what I have been looking for musically.” Delaney seems to have already found his niche in the well-established group and, along with the rest of the band, has high expectations for the future and the full-length album recording with Jaime King.
Three new songs have been recorded with Delaney, the first of which, “Joe Dirt,” went online on Saturday, Oct. 21. Within four days, the song received nearly 1,600 plays on the group’s MySpace page, http://www.myspace.com/lastchancetoreason. Sammons was enthusiastic to discuss the new material.
“It’s a juxtaposition of making something even more complex that actually sounds simpler to the untrained ear,” Sammons said. “It’s more complex tonally and polyrhythmically but it’s also more chorus-driven and the vocals are more important. AJ [Harvey's] guitar playing is pretty revolutionary. I’ve never heard a guitarist do it. And I might be going a bit overboard, but I honestly don’t think I am.”
Last Chance to Reason is recording rough versions of their new material as it is written, constantly evaluating the songs and structures to ensure they are the best they can be. Once LCTR feel the songs are complete, they record more professional-sounding demos.
“That’s again to assess the songs and to send to Jaime King so he starts to get ideas for production. And we’ll release a few online to keep fans in touch with our new material,” Sammons said.
Fans have heard little from Last Chance to Reason since their brief Waterville Skate Park benefit show in August.
“I think it’s awesome that they’re finally getting back into doing shows. It’s been a long drought without them,” said Jeremiah Gilley, a student at Husson College and an LCTR fan. “I’m definitely looking forward to hearing the new songs,” Gilley said, adding that he is interested to see the group perform with Delaney on vocals.
Last Chance to Reason will make their long-awaited return to playing live tonight at The Kave in Bucksport Tickets are $8 and doors open at 6 p.m. Headliners Ed Gein and Heavy Heavy Low Low will receive support from LCTR and Massachusetts-based Ligeia. While LCTR is no stranger to headlining Maine shows and drawing their own crowds, their set will primarily be a preview of things to come.
“It’ll be a short set. Five songs; three new, two old,” Sammons said. And on a promising note, he added, “Expect the most full-sounding Last Chance to Reason ever.”
