Echo Scale™: 4.7/5 ★★★★☆
Remember that time Kenny over here at Echo Rebel got all hot and bothered about LA-85’s dodgy drum sound on “Get Away”? Good times. Well, he also rightly pointed out that Lincoln heavy rockers LA-85 Matt (guitars), Ben (drums), Jordan (bass), and Pat (vocals) were a “high-gain, riff-driven powerhouse” with “all the swagger, attitude, and hooks,” not to mention Pat’s powerhouse vocals. Good times. Now, it seems they were listening to all of Kenny’s review, because their new old-school A/B side release, “No Way Home” and “Faces,” isn’t just a level-up; it’s a full-on ascension. They’ve gone from promising hopefuls to “Did they just mainline pure rock ‘n’ roll brilliance?” status. Prepare your ear canals; LA-85 came to play.
“No Way Home”: From Twinkle to Thunderstorm (Drum Kit Approved!)
If you thought a synth intro was a cue for a gentle ride, “No Way Home” is here to laugh in your face and then promptly punch you with a sonic sledgehammer. That initial twinkle is just the bait before the WHAM! of massive impact. The sheer fullness and volume hit you like a runaway freight train made of pure rock. And for those of us who appreciate the finer points of percussive glory, let’s address the elephant no longer in the room: the drum sound. Kenny’s past critiques? Gone. Ben’s drums are now leaps and bounds ahead, sounding genuinely really solid, finally giving the thunderous rhythm section the justice it deserves. It’s a genuinely cool mix, proving that constructive criticism, sometimes, actually works. Who knew?
Beyond the much-improved sonics, “No Way Home” is an absolute bop with a brain. Pat’s emotive delivery carries a very important message, forming the spine of a track that manages to be both heavy and deeply resonant. We’re talking searing guitar tones, a bass guitar like a… well, a sledgehammer, holding everything together with monstrous grit. The instrumentation throughout is solid, reliable and full of unrestrained energy. And that guitar solo? Chef’s kiss. It’s a masterclass in technical proficiency without veering into masturbation. Bravo, indeed. This isn’t just noise; it’s a masterclass in dynamics, offering light and dark, quiet and chaos, all transitioning with seamless precision. LA-85 aren’t just keeping you on your toes; they’re making you dance on them. That chorus? An absolute singalong tease with simple, potent lyrics and a melody begging for a crowd to yell it back. This is a stunning release.
“Faces”: The 80s Hairspray Meets 90s Desolation Powerhouse
Just when you think you’ve got LA-85 pegged, they drop “Faces,” proving they’ve been hoarding synth secrets. This track is vastly different to ‘No Way Home’, yet it maintains the same undeniable quality while showcasing some major musical depth. The best way to describe “Faces” is like an 80s rock anthem that decided to get seriously introspective (and slightly unhinged) in the style of 90s alternative rock.
Vocally, Pat is serving up full 80s hairspray and leather trousers treatment, soaring over a backdrop of desolate 90s grit and chainsaw guitars. Add in the recurring, clever synth work, and you’ve got a sonic concoction that should be confusing, but instead, it conjures an identity all its own. This isn’t background music; it’s an immersive experience. The breakdown after a brief silence genuinely caught me off guard and that’s precisely what this kind of music should do. Immersion? LA-85 delivers it in spades. Just when you’ve recovered, they change directions again with a riff which immediately makes me slap my table in joy. If “No Way Home” was a statement, “Faces” is the exclamation mark.
The Grand Conclusion: An A/B Side for the Ages
LA-85’s decision to release “No Way Home” and “Faces” as an old-school A/B side isn’t just a nostalgic nod; it’s a brilliant strategic play. It forces you to consume them as a unified statement, and what a statement it is. When we dish out criticism here at Echo Rebel, this is exactly what we want to see. We want your next release to blow us away, and Jesus, LA-85, you’ve done that.
These two tracks, while musically distinct, form a cohesive, compelling whole. They showcase a band that’s matured, tightened their sound (yes, even the drums!), and harnessed their influences into something genuinely fresh and exciting. If you like your rock heavy, bursting with tenacity, grit, and spirit, then “No Way Home” and “Faces” are your new go-to. Show these guys some serious love, because LA-85 isn’t just rocking; they’re setting the bar. Keep rocking, LA-85!
Echo Scale™: 4.7/5 ★★★★☆
A stunning, multi-faceted release that proves LA-85 are ready for the big leagues. Your ears, and your inner headbanger, will thank you.
