“Post-hardcore gets a fresh breath of life”
– Stereogum
"Anthemic . . . a sound reminiscent of bands like Hot Water Music, BoySetsFire, and Sparta, as singer Antonio Canestri delivers the lyrics with a powerful rasp."
– Consequence of Sound
"There are clear parallels with the dark post-punk of contemporaries such as Protomartyr, though LAGS also share their encompassing soundscape with the likes of current favourites Spielbergs."
– The Line Of Best Fit
More than three years have passed since Rome’s post-hardcore quartet LAGS released their debut album ‘Pilot’; a cult favourite across the Italian scene, but a well-kept secret to most. Since releasing their debut on Italian label To Lose La Track (home to likes of: Crash Of Rhinos, Delta Sleep, Tiger! Shit! Tiger! Tiger!), LAGS have played over 80 shows throughout the peninsula with the likes of Beach Slang, Delta Sleep, Screeching Weasel and Raein, as well as performing at a number of national and international festivals, winning over new fans with each set. Now, March 2019 will finally see the release of their highly anticipated follow up album ‘SOON’.
Punchier and more proactive, the new album distils the sound of 2015’s ‘Pilot’ LP, coupled with a production that is consciously raw and provocative. ‘SOON’ is the sound of LAGS at their intoxicating best, mirroring the restless energy of their live shows alongside moments of measured temperance that balances the whole thing on a razors-edge.
Architects of intense contrast the band’s powerful instrumentation regularly flirts with the fragility and weight of the emotionally driven lyrics, flitting between huge anthem-to-be, shout along vocals, intricate guitars and decisive drum work. From the immediate and incendiary opener ‘Knives and Wounds’, to the hook heavy vocals of ‘Echoes’, right through to the emotive and climactic LP closer ‘I Still Remember’, the new record places its focus squarely on power, melody and understated complexity. With a nod towards classic Dischord, 90s post-hardcore and anthemic 00s indie-punk, whilst calling to mind the likes of ‘After The Eulogy’-era BoySetsFire, At The Drive-In, DeSoto, METZ and Self Defense Family, it's safe to say that long-time fans, and fans anew, will not be disappointed.
Thematically, the new album is about arrivals and departures, losses and conquests, and illnesses and healings. Full of deeply honest lyrics ‘SOON’ is a cathartic and self-realising record with moments of surprising uplift. Speaking about the record, frontman Antonio Canestri says, “Soon is a word inextricably linked to the present. It suggests immediacy, but also anticipation and uncertainty about arriving safe and sound to some place that can be either extremely beautiful or extremely painful.”
Incredibly sentimental and sonically accomplished, the new album sees LAGS hone familiar expressions from their debut into refined, darker aesthetics that give their direct sound renewed vigour. ‘SOON’ is a brazen statement of intent and a chance to prove their true prowess having spent the last few years writing and touring. LAGS are climbing steadly, gunning for soft spots and proving that they should be anything but a well-kept secret.
‘SOON’ will be released on ltd. edition cassette as well as vinyl, CD and across all digital platforms. Following the album’s release, the band will head back out on the road playing dates across Italy as well as heading overseas to play their first UK dates.
credits
released March 29, 2019
LAGS is:
Antonio Canestri
Andrew Howe
Daniele De Carli
Gianluca Lateana
Written and Performed by LAGS.
Lyrics by Antonio Canestri except “Knives & Wounds”, “The Bait”, (written by Luca de Santis), “I Still Remember” (written by Daniele De Carli) and “Showdown” (written by Luca de Santis and Antonio Canestri).
Drums and Bass recorded by Daniele Gennaretti at SALATRE gli artigiani Studio, Formello, RM (Italy).
Guitars and Vocals recorded by Jesse Germanò at Jedi Sound Studio, Rome (Italy).
Mixed by Jesse Germanò at Jedi Sound Studio, Rome (Italy).
Mastered by Filippo Strang at VDSS Recording Studio, Morolo, FR (Italy).
Illustrations by Alberto Becherini.
Artwork by Alberto Becherini and Luca de Santis.
Special thanks to Pierpaolo Lorenzo (Pre-production, backing vocals on “Echoes”), Erika Bianchi, Flavio di Giuseppe, Lorenzo Spurio Pompili, Alessandro Pascolo, Stefano Pedretti, Simone Mogliè, Margherita Carletti, Lucia Iuorio.
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