LASTWORLD – Fractured Mirror (2021)
Released by Perris Records, ”Fractured Mirror” is the third effort from Chicago-based classic melodic rockers LASTWORLD, the band formed by songwriter & multi-instrumentalist Jim Shepard (all instruments) and versatile vocalist David Cagle who has worked with JK Northrup among others.
While opener “Save Yourself“ is a quite heavy-rocker driven by sharp riffs, the rest of the material veers from classic melodic rock with a modern sound and AOR splashes here and there influenced by Night Ranger softer side, Journey, Bon Jovi, etc.
The band are essentially multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Jim Shepard who has released a few solo albums, and David Cagle, a man who has sung all kinds of genres over the years but appeals most to readers of this site due to his collaboration with JK Northrup on ‘That’s Gonna Leave A Mark’, an album that picked up lots of rave reviews.
LASTWORLD feels more integral than Shepard’s solo records partly because he uses several singers there, but sticking with Cagle throughout this effort proves to be a better move. One singer gives it more cohesiveness and Cagle is a classy vocalist.
As happened with previous LASTWORLD records, ”Fractured Mirror” a distinct US feel with the aforementioned inspiration, also, at times, reminded me of Jimmy Davis & Junction and occasionally solo Danny Wylde.
All songs are build around strong melodies and radio-friendly choruses where instrumentation is precise, at the service of the songs and not overblowing the tune giving room for Cagle’s clean vocals to shine.
This kind of classy Melodic Rock / AOR is always welcome from American musicians, which is becoming increasingly rare. We rely on the Europeans to keep the genre’s flame burning so acts like LastWorld are a precious gift we should treasure.
Highly Recommended
01 – Save Yourself
02 – Love Is Alive
03 – Down on My Knees
04 – Used
05 – It’s Only Love
06 – Lost Along the Way
07 – Love Is Gonna Get Ya
08 – I Lose Again
09 – Let It Go
10 – Love Is on the Way
11 – I Don’t Wanna Lose
Jim Shepard – all instruments
David Cagle – lead and backing vocals
BUY
www.amazon.com/dp/B09JCM5Z8C
