The Last Dinosaur : 'Hooray! For Happiness'
Released: Out Now!!!
Label: Ill Fit Recordings
The Last Dinosaur duo Jamie Cameron and Luke Hayden obviously don't like doing things the easy way. Recorded intermittently between December 2007 and March 2009, the pair used only a multi track recorder with no computerised assistance to capture debut album Hooray! For Happiness. With only sixteen recording tracks to play with, mixing such a sprawling mass no doubt took as much effort as recording it. Yet with results as beautiful and epic as these, it was unquestionably worth it.
It is no surprise that some effort on the listeners part is expected after such an arduous process. Sparse and progressive in every sense, this is not an easily accessible album. With opener “Every Second Is A Second Chance” being nothing more than rushing synths and harmonious chords, this is apparent from the offset. And with most tracks way over the three minute mark, it is not for the faint hearted.
Yet invest your time in the album, two to three full listens is recommended, and you will begin to unearth it's wonderful hidden character. “Fool” aches with modern angst, gently strummed guitars and rushing cymbals playing the accompaniment to Cameron's breaking heart. No more than a whisper, his vocals melt amongst the instrumentation whilst remaining distinctive, wailing strings playing out the ending. “Home” is formed on a simple acoustic basis, yet Cameron's tentative vocals joined by melancholic piano chords transform it into something of considerable substance. Within seconds a simple premise is a multi textural experience, bubbling synthesisers and plodding bass lines swirling amidst the organic elements.
For all the electronic influences, a gratifying sense of rawness is always maintained. Whispered conversations between the pair are often audible before each track, adding to the pleasing authenticity. “The Greatest Film Ever Made” features over two minutes of shuddering film reel and discordant melody before dropping away to luxurious piano, the familiar shuddering still whispering in the background.
Although seemingly simple, it is this attention to detail that is so endearing; with each track comes a constant reminder of the time and effort invested by the duo. Even two minute wonder “Maps” contains the familiar conversations and stirring string accompaniment. Yet within it's melody features acoustic guitars, piano, banjo, percussion and goodness knows what else. This is a masterpiece, and each second is a reminder of that.
In many ways, listening to Hooray! For Happiness is the equivalent of an epiphany; that crystallising moment when things become beautifully obvious. Although challenging to the extreme in the beginning, invest enough time and you will be rewarded with an album of emotionally epic proportions. Jamie Cameron and Luke Hayden cannot be commended highly enough for their efforts, but the most fitting way to do so is to invest yourself in their stunning album.
Words: Dan Grose
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