Lastworld | Beautiful Illusion

by Mike Debbage
— Guest Columnist —

LastWorld came to the attention of the general public by way of their impressive debut album Time released less than 5 years ago on Melodic Rock Records. With the exception of a spotty musician visit here and there over the years, the band is essentially the instrumentation, production, songwriting of the talented multi-instrumentalist Jim Shepard and the spot on expressive vocals of David Cagle also featured in Silent Tiger. Since the debut five years ago, LastWorld have moved to Perris Records and have managed to release four quality albums in the last four years. With the arrival Beautiful Illusion that aspect continues to remain alive as LastWorld continue their hot streak.

For the most part, there is no ground breaking material here but if you enjoy the Melodic Rock genre then this band’s entire discography will be right up your alley. Beautiful Illusion continues this trend with 43 minutes of 11 tracks that will certainly grab your attention. The album opens with the partial growler mid paced rocker “Don’t Tell Me I’m Wrong” representing LastWorld’s slightly heavier sound. Even moodier, skip forward to “A Step Beyond Death” or the upbeat “Younger Days” with Shepard driving the songs with his guitar work but Cagle making sure his vocals prowl alongside his musical partner.

That said, the album’s more melodic moments can be found via the instantaneously hook laden “Destiny” that would sit very well on any Journey album. It is here where Cagle’s multi-layered harmonic vocals are the focal point. The aforementioned is probably the stand out track though the mid tempo ballad “Been There Before” with a perfect merger of Cagle’s hauntingly emotive vocals and Shepard’s restrained but soulful acoustic guitar work fits perfectly. If that’s your method of musical escape then search for “You Never Listen To Me” or the instrumental closer title track.

Aside from JK Northrup still taking care of the mastering, this is really about the continued good musical partnership of Shepard and Cagle that maintain recording and creating good quality albums. Despite the break neck speed of this creating and recording, LastWorld show no dip in the quality they have become known for.  Granted nothing cutting edge here, but if Melodic Rock is what you thirst for then Beautiful Illusion like all of its predecessors has all the ingredients to quench that thirst and desire.

Genre: Melodic Rock

Line-up:
Jim Shepard – electric & acoustic guitars, bass, keyboards, programming and live drums
David Cagle lead and background vocals

Label: Perris Records

Track listing:

1. Don’t Tell Me I’m Wrong
2. Younger Days
3. I Can’t Explain
4. I Will Find My Way
5. Better Of Me
6. The Fantasy’s Over
7. Destiny
8. Been There Before
9. You Never Listen To Me
10. A Step Beyond Death
11. Beautiful Illusion (instrumental)

Website: https://www.facebook.com/LastWorldMusic?mibextid=uzlsIk

Hardrock Haven rating: (7 / 10)