Indie Light

First of the Last Stars are an alternative rock duo from Ottawa, Canada. Today I’ll be reviewing their EP ‘All I Ever Wanted’ which was released October 23rd 2023.

‘Wrong Star’ has a nice atmospheric build that breaks, the vocal talent of First of the Last Stars cannot be understated, but it’s equally well supported by the deep dark, thrumming instrumental backing that both boosts and counterpoints the lightness and depth of the vocals. This track is a superb start to the album, and I’m just so refreshed and invigorated by the song, especially the breathtaking build towards the end. 

‘Don’t Look’ is immediately very different to the previous track, a solid, consistent percussion leads us forward as a more complex string infused melody supports the deep and heavy vocals. I especially like the more gradual build on this one, how almost incrementally it picked up energy but still managed to remain within the same sort of tempo, it very cleverly keeps your attention with subtle changes as you get lost in the rich melody of the track. 

‘Never Alone’ opens with one sonorous tone, and bleeds out into a tight, guitar line that intertwines with the opening tone, and merges well with the vocals. I really like the dark, ambient vibes of these tracks so far, they really catch you and carry you along with them. I will say I’m a big fan of just sticking on my earphones, closing my eyes and letting a track just wash over me and all the tracks so far by First of the Last Stars have been ideal listening for me, just powerful and melodic, well paced and enigmatic. This track has some truly amazing work though towards the end, a frenzied balance of strings, percussion and vocals that demand to be heard. 

‘Unfamiliar’ rises from hidden depths, and just shines brightly, it doesn’t hammer forward, it’s not incessantly catchy, instead it just pure and solid and much like all the tracks on this album so far seems personally crafted to cater to my specific musical tastes. I had a hard time deciding on what was my personal favourite on the album, and while it was very, very close I think unfamiliar just snags it, and closes out what has been an exceptional EP. 

So that’s what I thought of First of the Last Stars EP ‘All I Ever Wanted’ and if you want to check that out for yourself then head on over to Spotify. While you’re at it, make sure and support the band by following them on Facebook and Instagram.