L.S. Dunes

As cornerstones of some of the most captivating rock bands of the 21st Century, its immediately apparent that L.S. DUNES is more than simply the sum of its parts. Straight-ahead, full throttle, aggressively avoiding too much polish or too many effects, this outfit turns on, turns up, and tears it all down. With their debut LP, Past Lives, L.S. Dunes have carved their place in the postmodern pantheon of abrasive, melodic, essential hard rock. L.S. DUNES: drummer Tucker Rule and bassist Tim Payne (Thursday), guitarist Frank Iero (My Chemical Romance), guitarist Travis Steever (Coheed And Cambria) and vocalist Anthony Green (Circa Survive) grind riff-heavy anthems super-charged with punk energy into a sound unlike anything that has come before it. Exploring themes of fearlessness, dependency, nonconformity, and impermanence, each of these 11 tracks delivers confident musicality and unapologetic emotional vulnerability. And the standouts are plentiful. From the gripping, theatrical opener “2022,” and the crunchy, frenetic earworm “Like Forever,” to the pummeling, expansive “Permanent Rebellion,” and the disarming album closer, “Sleep Cult,” Past Lives is an experimental, electrifying ride. L.S. DUNES began in 2020, just as the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic was taking hold, and touring became impossible. “It started for me with a call from Tucker,” says Iero. “Tucker and Tim asked me to be involved. They wanted to do a project because we were supposed to be on tour, but we were stuck at home instead. There’s a mutual friendship with Travis from Coheed And Cambria. We got on a group chat, sent a couple of riffs--and some funny memes--back and forth, and it just grew from there.” In fact, the mutual appreciation and affection within L.S. DUNES run deep. “Tim is not only the best bassist I’ve ever played with but the best musician,” Rule says. “He’s so talented, so intuitive, he just gets it, and in turn, makes me get it. I consider Frank one of my best friends on the planet. I filled in for My Chemical Romance, and we’ve always been musical buddies. He asked me to join The Future Violents, and we got along so well musically and became closer friends. Travis has a vast knowledge of different styles of music and is so happy to play. And I just love the way he plays guitar.” Things moved quickly. Beats, riffs, melodies, and arrangements traveled back and forth in emails, text messages, and file-sharing services. “The greatest thing about this collection of people is that there is an instant inspiration. And though he’ll deny it, Tim is a fantastic arranger and engineer,” Iero says. Rule notes the shared excitement was palpable. “I’d wake up in the morning hoping someone had sent something new in the middle of the night; a guitar part or something over a drum beat I’d made.” The momentum was such that they quickly realized they’d have to add a vocalist immediately, lest the band turn into a math-rock instrumental project. Only one name was ever seriously considered. “There were no other choices other than Anthony,” Rule says. “I’ve always wanted to play with him. He’s an incredible singer and artist. I just love his vibe. I love his passion and his stage presence.” We wanted to do something where you can hear all our bands in it and yet, not have it sound like any one in particular,” Rule added. “For example, people will recognize Anthony’s voice, but he’s singing in a different register than in Circa Survive or with his solo work.” When Rule sent the songs over to Green, he purposefully didn’t mention who else was in the band. “We wanted the music to sink or swim on its own merits,” Iero points out. “Anthony immediately sent voice memos back with vocal ideas for a few songs. He has a fearless quality that I really love.” The timing couldn’t have been better for Green, as he himself struggled with the pandemic blues. “This situation was gifted to me,” he says matter-of-factly. “I was having a mental breakdown. I didn’t know how I was going to provide for my kids. I couldn’t go to therapy. I was losing my shit. I was so desperate for music, to write, play, and be creative as much as I could.”