Artist: We Were Promised Jetpacks
Album: The Last Place You’ll Look
Genre: Indie Rock
Label: FatCat Records

Scottish band We Were Promised Jetpacks made their way into the hearts of many fans with their fiercely melodic rhythms and upbeat post-punk sound. In support of their 2009 debut album, These Four Walls they were able to take part in a small US headlining tour that helped amass a loyal stateside following. A few short months later they found themselves back in the studio to record a vastly different blend of music for their newest EP, The Last Place You’ll Look. Buried under their youthful angst, they return displaying a more tender and melancholy driven side. The Last Place You’ll Look features three new tracks along with alternate takes on two previous songs pulled from their full length album.

Opening track, “A Far Cry,” builds its structure by creating a dreamy atmosphere with Adam Thompson’s deep vocals layered over sombre, light guitar picking. Midway through the music transitions into a more powerful sound including heavy drumming, this technique gained critical attention on their debut album.  Following with one of their most energetic tunes from their full length “Short Bursts,” has been turned into a slower piece. The new vocal harmonies and elaborated instrumental sections create a melancholic aura. After a monotonous instrumental interlude comes the sole uptempo track, “With the Benefit of Hindsight.” Brass arrangements and violins vigorously trade off for the lead role before descending into a lamenting finale.

In its original form, “This Is My House, This Is My Home,” was constructed around despair while maintaining youthful rebellion with clashing drums and discordant guitars. Relinquishing their wild side for a subdued version accorded with hauntingly beautiful string arrangements blanketed over a subtle piano line made this a compelling and powerful adaptation.  An extended orchestral break led by slow military drum beats take the track to its conclusion.

Last Place You’ll Look unveils a surprisingly different dimension of We Were Promised Jetpacks by opening up to a more emotional side. Showing their dynamic use of strings, brass and piano arrangements to slower-paced tunes prove that they have a lot of diversity to offer. Their new expanded sound leaves you to question whether they are going to continue with their more mellow side or return to their boisterous roots.

Score: 8/10

Review written: Nerissa Judd

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James Shotwell

James Shotwell is the founder of Under The Gun Review. He loves writing about music and movies almost as much as he loves his two fat cats. He's also the co-founder of Antique Records and the Marketing Coordinator for Haulix. You should probably follow him on Twitter.

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