THE LAST YEARS – ARTIST SPOTLIGHT & EP REVIEW
It’s my quest to incorporate as much local New England talent as I can onto this website. In keeping with my goal I am reviewing The Last Years. The Last Years is an 80’s infused, synth driven project out of Connecticut created by musician and producer Drew Gowen.
Gowen has taken elements of Synthwave and Synthpop and melded them with Shoegaze and New Wave to create something both nostalgic yet quite modern. His influences are an eclectic mix of artists ranging from Men At Work and Prince to Depeche Mode. According to Gowen, if it’s got a killer hook, it’s good.
At an early age, Gowen developed a passion for creating music. He extended his education in the art of audio production and spent time working in several Nashville recording studios. Using strengths gained from past music projects, he realized that the future is the sound of the past. Merging his love of 80’s musical stalwarts and technical capabilities he has forged a new synthesis. This new direction has inspired, defined and given birth to The Last Years.
This February The Last Years released the E.P., Romance to world wide acclaim. Romance has been followed up by two remarkable singles. “Moments” dropped in March and was featured as the track of the week on Forever Synth. Just today, May 1st, The Last Years released its newest single “TV Romantic”. Due to all the amazing music Gowen has recently produced, The Last Years was recognized as a Featured Artist for April 2020 by Revival Synth.
Romance opens with the moody and sensual “Night Ride”. The song begins with a solid back beat and and an up front guitar riff before Gowen’s sultry vocals enters. The astral soundscape prompts memories of Depeche Mode and Erasure. The Last Years captures the 80’s ambiance perfectly. Next up is “Slow Motion Sunset”. The menacing guitar and deep bottomed synth thoroughly couples with Gowen’s emotional vocals. The E.P. ends with the sparkling “Soft Glow”. “Soft Glow” with its tenacious synth textures and upbeat rhythm envelopes the true sensation of the New Wave era.
The single “Moments” furthers The Last Years crusade to solidify this new hybrid sound. Again, the music is vibrant and the chorus memorable with the synths capturing a buoyant atmosphere. Gowen’s voice fits ideally with the lush colors the song generates. “TV Romantic” is the newest single. The flourishing production of the song brings back welcome memories of Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark.
The Last Years has constructed music that easily takes us back and at the same time pushes us forward. The Last Years is a creative and enjoyable project that Gowen should be quite proud of. A little nostalgic release is excellent in these trying times.
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