The Last Names – Wilderness

  • September 14, 2012

Kingston, NY husband/wife duo and Bishop Allen band members Justin Rice and Darbie Nowatka are The Last Names, and their debut album Wilderness is an enjoyable collection of charming folk pop. Available in vinyl with a limited edition handcrafted/woven cover, as well in digital download, the twelve songs showcase talented indie pop tunes with an affection for retro recording. Promotional tracks “Dead Reckoning” and “One Black Feather” feature the two alternating on lead vocals duties, but the real standout is “The Dirt” – a catchy sixties influenced folk pop song complete with charming harmonies, keys, percussion, guitar and distant vocals – it is fondly reminiscent of The Mamas and The Papa’s “California Dreaming” in all the best ways. In addition to Wilderness, The Last Names are amidst another large project called 52 Covers, which features one cover a week during 2012, yielding such delights as Neil Diamond’s “Forever in Blue Jeans”, The Carter Family “The Last Letter”, and “Age of Consent” by New Order. Check both efforts out on their bandcamp page. – Written by JFelton

SIMILAR | Belle and Sebastian, Bishop Allen, Kings of Convenience, The Mamas and the Papas