Last of the Believers - Emo is not a dirty word
’m sure that people who are into the punk rock scene are going to crucify me for calling Last of the Believers, former Rise Against guitarist Chris Chasse’s newest project, ‘emo’. Before they do, let me set things straight. By emo I simply mean that the man, and the rest of the band, are passionate about what they do. It seems I’m not the only one having to clarify things around here.
“First of all, the name has NOTHING to do with religion in any way, shape, or form. I guess you could say that the name means something along the lines of people that simply haven’t given up hope. People that believe that there is still some good in this shitty world, and refuse to give up on mankind quite yet.”
For Chasse giving up on mankind isn’t an option, nor is giving up on our four legged friends. As a part of the US ep launch, Last of the Believers ran a contest in conjunction with American animal rights organization, PETA, giving away pre-release copies.
“Well I have been involved with PETA for a few years now. I’ve been a vegetarian as far back as I can remember, and I like what they stand for. I have long time friends at the organization, and they wanted to help promote the band, as well as I wanted to share PETA with fans.”
What they have shared with fans is their spanking new, five track EP Paper Ships Under a Burning Bridge. And it’s a ripper. Good old melodic hardcore punk that’s rough enough for the guys and sweet enough for the girls. I haven’t heard such a quality candid punk album in years. For a sound so straightforward, the title is a little cryptic.
“Steve, our singer, came up with title. To me personally, I visualize “paper ships” being fragile people and the “burning bridge” a dangerous atmosphere. We are living in a world where there is so much going on that everyone has to look out for themselves and their loved ones. Well, that’s what it means to me anyway…”
It stands to reason that’s what it means to Steve as well. The members of Last of the Believers come from all corners of the punk scene. On their resumes are bands such as Rise Against, Ignite, Reach The Sky and Spark Of Life. Their same but different backgrounds have combined to produce a familiar but unique release.
“I believe it’s coming from the meeting of the minds. Five guys with different backgrounds all coming together to create something unique. We all have similar, yet completely different origins, and I think that helps a great deal in the song writing process. I wouldn’t call us a ‘supergroup’ by any means. We’re simply a bunch of guys that have been around the music scene for at least a decade now. I can see why they call it that in a way, but I personally wouldn’t refer to the band in that manner. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve done my share of tours, and so has Brett, and I’ve sold quite a few records… but we are not ‘super’.”
Considering some of the members are still actively touring and producing songs with other bands, Last of the Believers could be viewed as a casual side project. Their relaxed attitude to recording, and contained ‘had to be there’ process behind the music certainly suggests a low priority.
“Songs are currently being written by all of us. We meet up every other month or so in California and write collectively. There’s no set date for studio time, nor a full length album release. But, we do hope to have one out as soon as possible.”
That’s not to say that the passion is lacking in any way for what is produced. It’s simply one method of creating a particular recording environment, and working around other life commitments. Besides, it’s what makes their songs Last of the Believers tracks, and not simply cast-offs from their former outfits.
“All of these songs were written when the five of us got together. There were no old tracks laying around that previous/other bands of ours rejected. I could see one or two being a Rise Against songs, and well as Ignite songs, but these purely are Last of the Believers materials. We hope that they define who we are, and what we are trying to convey to the world.”
To the world hey? To the WHOLE world?
“I personally love Australia. I have been there four or five times now, and I’m very anxious to get back. The CD hit stores in Australia in September, and if all goes well, we will be in Australia before the end of the year. I HOPE!”
Paper Ships Under A Burning Bridge is available now through Amphead Music.
