Making good on the promise implied by the title of their previous album,
We Will All Evolve, New Hampshire's
Our Last Night bring a more evolved sound to the table on their third disc,
Age of Ignorance. Stepping away from most of the metalcore trappings that were scattered around their past work,
Our Last Night continue to trend in a more emotional direction, using fewer breakdowns and stale production gimmicks in favor of more atmospheric electronic elements. This sea change creates an interesting dynamic: with the band's sound becoming more melodic, the gap between the autumnal post-hardcore sections and the heavy breakdowns is a lot wider, increasing the breakdowns' effectiveness by using them as sudden, violent outbursts rather than a matter of course. After three albums, it seems like
Our Last Night have finally found their own voice, with
Age of Ignorance feeling different enough from their other work that it, at times, seems like a reintroduction. With a fully realized post-hardcore toolbox, the band not only has a lot of tricks up its sleeve, but also has a better idea of when and where to utilize them. This more atmospheric and emotional sound will certainly prompt a period of adjustment from some longtime fans, but astute listeners will recognize
Age of Ignorance as the end of a logical progression that has resulted in a more mature, versatile
Our Last Night, unafraid to tinker with their sound to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. ~ Gregory Heaney