RockWatch:CD Reviews

With the album 'Once Beautiful' ( 2005 ), The Last Dance continues to expand their poetic industrial gothic landscape with a great follow up to their previous album 'Whispers in Rage' ( 2003 ) . The Last Dance is Jeff Diehm with vocals, Rick Joyce with guitars and Peter J. Gorritz with bass along with most of the drum work for this album by Thomas Coyne. Additional musicians provide some of the percussion, keys and supporting vocals.
With 'Distantly' the listener is drawn into the poetry and beat that defines The Last Dance. The song leads one onto the shores of the title track with the lyrical lines "memories left forever ever . . . distantly beautiful". The title track is up second, 'Once Beautiful' steps out with guitar and vocals that strikes up an anthem progression from "silently once beautiful . . . ( to ) . . . make me beautiful again . . . ( to ) . . . Once Beautiful Again". The compostion, lyrics and vocals of this song should capture new followers into the realm that is The Last Dance. The song 'Secrets' has a more so industrial head that drives the beat along shores where one may find a few new secrets. The album continues thoughtfully with 'World Down' and the near ballad song called 'December'. There is somewhat of a middle eastern edge with the song 'Wish Me Closer' . Where there are additional vocals upfront with Tina Root (Switchblade Symphony - Tre Lux) and Laurie Reade ( 'High Blue Star' ) that brings forth a well woven vocal flow with Jeff Diehm leading the way. With each song, there is a unique blend of guitar work, vocals and additional instrumentation to define that slice of time as well worth the listen. Their primary audience tends to be the Gothic crowd. Yet, a broader crowd mix will most likely find their albums and live performances entertaining. No need to take a magnifying glass to the music and lyrics - - have a listen and enjoy. The Last Dance brings forth the complex and the simple together in harmony with the silence that may dance among the poetry that takes root in those with a heart beat and a timeless hour glass.