Last Hounds have just recently released a new single “Handmade” and are currently working on their brand new album currently scheduled for release later this year. Whilst waiting for that release and listening to the new single, here’s a bit of info about the band…
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
The Midlands, roughly speaking. We’re evenly split between Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare County!
How did you meet?
Chris (drums), James (guitar) and Mikey (frontman) were all at college together and it all stemmed from there through various bands. Tom (guitar), as for him, I’m pretty sure he was found propping up a bar somewhere and it turned out he could play guitar, handy. And for me, (Ben, bass), I was a fan of the band for a couple of years prior to joining and I spent that time pestering them to give me a chance to join, and here I am!
How long have you been playing as a band?
Last Hounds formed in 2013, but the majority of the members were in bands together previously.
Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?
It’s actually quite a boring story. We loved the name “Hounds” for the band but that was already taken… So we tried to think of words that could go before it to make it different! It was actually James who came up with Last. The rest was history as they say.
What are your influences?
Our influences are pretty widespread! We draw a lot of inspiration from 90’s punk, but then as a band, we listen to a lot of bands like Letlive, The Bronx, Gallows, Four Year Strong, Comeback Kid, Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes. Journeys in the van are pretty eclectic, but that depends who has the aux lead! We’ve been known to pull up to a show with Fleetwood Mac blasting out the van.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
Straight up punk rock. I guess by definition that makes us not unique…We’re quite melodic in our writing though. I’d say we’re like an energetic, melodic, punch in the gut.
Do you have any particular lyrical themes?
Lyrically, our songs all have a common theme. Everybody you know or meet will be dealing with various social or personal pressures whether that be from work, family, or just life in general. Our lyrics aim to strike a chord in anyone who knows that feeling and has ever felt like trying to run away/escape from those pressures. It’s easy to write politically charged lyrics, but as a band we try to write music that everyone can relate to, regardless of your social or political standing. More of an (anti)social commentary that people can get behind.
What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
Energy, that’s the key! That, and Mikey’s short shorts and questionable choice of football shirts. It’s our energy that really grabs the audience. We played a show recently at The Parish in Huddersfield (sick venue, check them out if you haven’t) and there were two lads who stumbled across the venue not knowing what to expect. As it turned out, these guy’s were real House/Hip Hop heads, but they came to us after the show to say it completely changed their perspective of what live music could be. It was quite funny, one guy turned to the other said “I don’t know what came over me, I just wanted get mad a punch you in the face!”….Take from that what you will.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
There was one show that involved a dustbin, a birthday cake and Mikey’s head hitting the floor. That’s all you need to know….
What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?
We’re pretty simplistic when it comes to gear, were a big fan of being able to plug and play. A sound man’s dream.
Guitar wise it’s all about Strat’s and Tele’s. Tom is currently rocking a baby pink Squire that he picked up for £30 that he’s modded himself and trust, that thing slams!
Both our guitarist’s use Blackstar amps, no need for pedals with those bad boy’s.
I’m currently using a Sage Green Fender Jazz bass, called Herbie (for obvious reasons). I’ve been repping Ashdown for a while now, they’ve never let me down. I also use a Darkglass B7K to cover up all my bad playing. Bassist’s, you’ve all seen the meme’s, you know they’re true!!
For the final spectacle, Chris, our drummer has this amazing Leopard Skin kit by AD Drums. It really is somethin’ else! He also likes to use Dream Cymbals the size lorry wheels!
Mikey sometimes uses a microphone…..
What, if anything, are you plugging/promoting at the moment?
We have our debut album coming out Summer 2020, providing Coronavirus doesn’t wreak too much havoc and we can actually finish recording it! We’ve recently dropped the first single from the album, “Handmade”. The videos pretty cool, we gained access to a train storage yard and went mental with building site lights, check it out! We’ve got a lot of shows in the works for summer/winter time so keep an eye out for those too!
What are your plans for 2020?
Album. Festivals. Tours. In that order, REPRESENT!
If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be supporting and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!
The Bronx
Last Hounds
Profiler (We met these guys in Plymouth, they’re like a nu-metal Nirvana, absolutely class)
From previous Band of the Day, Khaidian: Do you believe metal should challenge the listener?
Music should be easy, music is an escape, nobody wants to be challenged! Straight up punk rock for the win!
From another BotD, Not Ur Girlfrenz: What was the first concert you ever went to?
My first concert was a weird one, I went to see Madness play a huge arena and it blew my mind!
And from She Burns Red: What is the one thing that really annoys you about being in a band?
Easy, messy bandmates. I’m a real neat freak and I swear it’s like touring with wild animals sometimes.
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