26th April 2022

Review: “Organized Hate” by Last Wishes

“We wanted to express the hardships of growing up in a place like Northern Ireland, but in a way that would be relatable to anyone no matter where they’re from as this kinda shit happens all over the world in different ways. The first half of the record deals with feelings of anger and aggression, acting on those feelings without thinking and feeling rejected by people and society. Then we dive into the psychological effects this can have, looking inside yourself for reasons why you feel or act a certain way, not fitting in, past traumas that shape you as you grow older” ~ Last Wishes

Originally formed in Northern Ireland and now based in Leeds, UK, Last Wishes take as much influence from their upbringing as they do from listening to and playing Hardcore, something that becomes abundantly clear when listening to their debut album, one completely self-produced by the band and then mixed and mastered by Terror drummer Nick Jett. They’ve come a long way since our first encounter with them at The New Cross Inn in London when they won us over with their brand of Hardcore circa 2018 and their EP “Price Of Freedom“, although they still specialise in cuts around the 160 second duration as the album which doesn’t quite make up a full half an hour of power demonstrates. A classic crossover Thrash Hardcore guitar tone sets things off with “Headcount” an instant piece of incendiary pit starting madness that sounds like a Hatebreed demo with a raw and unpolished quality that only serves to enhance its rustic charm. The whammy bar action of “Bring The Chaos” then feeds the flames as they rise to the ceiling before “Loyalty“, a number about staying loyal to your friends as being the essence of Hardcore resonates with fans of the genre Worldwide. The old school blend that includes nods to Biohazard with the “Punishment” esq bass drive of “Your Worst Enemy” is just as effective now as it was then and there is no doubt that if Last Wishes were stateside they’d have no issues touring whatsoever. They sound like a Brooklyn band at this point and to that end they make great use of samples thought the record which also evokes those vibes.

While not afraid to offer up crossover Thrash moments, “Street Knowledge” also dives into Hardcore Punk territory before slowing things down for a two step friendly finale. It’s all about the one two punch and over multiple listens little nuances pop out of the mix that you don’t necessarily hear first time around like the twang of the bass line at the start of the album title track, which is very Pennywise before a loose solo offers threatens to break free. There are moments in the album that sound like the band have recorded the record live in a rehearsal room, with the way that the introductions cut in or the cuts finish sounding a little abrupt like they’ve been cut from a longer recording a little too sharply. But nothing can prepare you for “Disconnect“, which continues the grit and integrity in the lyrical themes but has a darker edge that leads to a more emotive vocal performance with a few ounces more bite that clearly has a deeper and more personal meaning. As if that was a moment of reflection, “In Rembrance” brings back the clenched fist of classic genre vibes and attitude with a cut glass downtempo ending and some more dynamic guitar work thrown in for good measure. A timeless Hardcore record that paves the way for the next chapter and some bigger stages, “Organized Hate” is going to earn Last Wishes plenty of new fans while satisfying the hunger of their existing ones [7.5/10]

Track Listing