Last Gang, The

***On 2021’s Noise Noise Noise, THE LAST GANG pushed their musical boundaries in new and unexpected ways, spitting barbs both personal and political at whoever might listen. The follow-up Obscene Daydreams is 11 tracks of sharply composed, no-punches-pulled punk, which finds the Orange County quartet in top form and ready to explode. Produced once again by Cameron Webb (Motorhead, Pennywise, Alkaline Trio, NOFX), Obscene Daydreams is the result of a new, more intentional writing process. Working on a deadline this time around, the album was written and recorded in less than a year. The expediency of recording served the quartet well, as Obscene Daydreams delivers in abundance, The Last Gang's signature mix of melodic hooks and raw feelings. While outrage and defiance figure prominently in those feelings, love and pride share center stage. Opener “Electric Avenue” is an ode to ride-or-die friendship, and “Madness” is a full-on love song (or as close to one as a “nihilistic optimist” like singer Brenna Red can deliver). “Berlin to Rome” celebrates life on the road, and “Rumors” finds Red flexing her no-bullshit self-confidence. An interaction with a bigoted fan inspired “The Others,” forcing Red to make clear the quartet’s LGBTQIA+ allyship. The authenticity of The Last Gang's music lies in these lived experiences, making each album a kaleidoscopic journal of sorts. With nonstop touring planned throughout 2024, The Last Gang cannot wait to share this chapter with the world.