REVIEW

The third album from Swiss shoegaze band Last Leaf Down.

Originally formed in 2003 as a doom metal outfit inspired by Katatonia, Last Leaf Down took a unique turn toward shoegaze following the arrival of Benjamin Schenk (Vo/Gt) in late 2007. Through their first two albums, “Fake Lights” (2014) and “Bright Wide Colder” (2017), the band established a delicate, melancholic sound evocative of freezing air. They have since made a significant mark on the scene, performing at Wave-Gotik-Treffen, the world’s largest gothic festival, and supporting acts like Alcest and Les Discrets. While their initial recognition in Japan leaned toward the metal community due to their label's background, they gained broader attention from a new demographic of music fans after being introduced by video game creator Hideo Kojima on X.

Arriving after an eight-year hiatus, this latest release features a shift in its sonic landscape that softens the icy chill of their previous work, bringing a gentle texture evocative of a spring thaw. However, tracks like #8 “A Quiet Lost War” and #9 “The Ending” ensure that the band’s signature mournful beauty remains intact. The diamond-dust arpeggios, emotive tremolo, and soulful, steady vocals are fully realized, offering a result that long-time fans will find reassuring.

A notable highlight is #4 “Illusion.” As one of their most uptempo tracks to date—appears to symbolize the renewed vitality of a band stepping into a fresh phase after a long silence. Yet, the lyrics remain deeply somber, proving that their dark identity remains unchanged despite the shift in sound.