Duncan Pelletier's Latest Album 'Those Last Days' is a Journey of Memory, Mortality, and Catharsis - 13 September 2024
Maine-based singer/songwriter Duncan Pelletier shares his album Those Last Days via Trailing Twelve Records.
After the release of his debut solo album Gone Soon, Maine-based singer/songwriter Duncan Pelletier releases his second solo album Those Last Days on September 13th via Trailing Twelve Records. Pelletier examines themes of memory, mortality, and regret while continuing to wear his heart on his sleeve. Those Last Days manages to explore the heaviness of apocalyptic premonition while maintaining a sense of levity through tongue-in-cheek humor. Pelletier delivers feel-good hits wrapped in a doomsday paper, giving the audience a cathartic release while maintaining an easygoing sonic atmosphere.
The making of Those Last Days took place in Pelletier’s Portland, Maine bedroom. “A couple of the songs are leftovers from years ago but most were written in 2020 and 2021,” says Pelletier. Similar to the creation of his previous album Gone Soon, Pelletier enlisted the help of his co-producer, friend, and upstairs neighbor Ned Rich. Rich - a Portland-based musician and mixing engineer, contributed to the mixing, drums, and electric guitar on the album. Reminiscing on the process and working with Rich, Pelletier explains how “it’s so important to have a set of educated, thoughtful, and musical ears.”
As we enter Those Last Days, we are immediately greeted by “Exit” - a blend of americana and melancholy soul with a hint of funk. Pelletier sets the thematic precedent of mourning the past and finding freedom in letting go: a sentiment which is weaved throughout the entirety of the album. This is encapsulated in his lyrics “there’s comfort in / releasing everything you know / may never quite return.”
As we move through the album, we find Pelletier diving further into his poetic lyricism and messaging. “More Drugs” - epitomizes his tongue-in-cheek apocalyptic premonition while maintaining an upbeat feel-good sound, while “Nothing More to Come” moves away from comedy and keeps the listener grounded while still upholding an easygoing sonic atmosphere.
“[Nothing More to Come]” is about not being able to scrape off the stink of your own past. About how everything is a reminder of it, and how that is the least surprising thing in the world.”
Some of the album’s nostalgic messaging bleeds into the instrumentation - take “Up to Me,” a bright rhythmic acoustic guitar is followed by a retro synth that transports the listener and evokes sentimental feelings reminiscent of the sounds of some of Pelletier’s influences: Randy Newman, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, and Paul Simon to name a few.
“[Up to Me} is about resignation to inevitability, and how we lie to ourselves about trying to not resign to inevitability. Jesus Christ this is f**ked up. These are all f*ked up!!!!”
“Start Right Here” is disguised under a breezy up-tempo production where Pelletier delivers an incisive critique on giving up. He laments with a grounded and earnest baritone: “It’s harder to trust all the rot and the rust / Every part of yourself you refuse to adjust / Every last attempt under a layer of dust.” An effective image to show the years of struggling to change destructive behaviors. This and other heavy realizations are accompanied by bright and tender guitar, hopeful keys, bouncy basslines, and confident four-on-the-floor drums. In some moments, Pelletier’s voice echoes back to create the illusion of being stuck with the voices of disappointment and self-criticism.
This is a song about being frustrated with yourself on a fundamental level. About having given up so long ago that it becomes part of your nature to turn away from any kind of connection, genuine or perceived.”
“Unifier”, closes out the album with upbeat bright acoustic guitars and cheerful percussion underneath the melancholy lyricism that Pelletier executes so well. The final song forces Pelletier and the listener to grapple with the truths of mortality. This echoes through the opening lines of the song.
Saw it in a dream / Drifting toward a looser kind of unifying theme / In the warm light of the morning I still don’t know what it means / Looking back to see what I can find
The album, comprising ten original compositions, highlights Pelletier’s thoughtful, poetic lyricism along with his nostalgic and rhythmically driven sound. Pelletier utilizes a satisfying blend of Rock, Pop, and Roots, reminiscent of Bruce Hornsby, Hiss Golden Messenger, and Dawes. Each song acts as a vignette into Pelletier’s mind and illustrates a story of deep observation and self-reflection.
Those Last Days is a journey of dynamic musicality, vulnerable themes, and deeply satisfying songwriting.
Those Last Days will be available on September 13th via Trailing Twelve.
Those Last Days Tracklist:
Exit
More Drugs
Nothing More To Come
Up To Me
Nowhere At All
For A While
Give Up Again
Start Right Here
Gone
Unifier
All Songs Written & Performed by Duncan Pelletier (BMI)
Duncan Pelletier - vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, percussion
Ned Rich - electric guitars, drums, mixing
Jon Abrams - keyboards
Colin Bradley - pedal steel guitar, organ
Rory Hurley - mastering
TTR027
© & ℗ 2024 Trailing Twelve Records. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized Copying, Reproduction, Hiring, Lending, Public Performance, And Broadcasting Strictly Prohibited.
Release Date: 13 September, 2024
Release Title: Those Last Days
Artist: Duncan Pelletier
Duration: 34:31
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BIO
Maine-based singer/songwriter Duncan Pelletier has been making music for over a decade as a solo artist, studio musician, and live theater composer. With coverage from METAL and V13, Pelletier blends soft rock, blue-eyed soul, and americana to create a sound that is equally tearful as it is whimsical.