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- Band Spotlight: Last Second Drop - July 7, 2014
In 2001, in the Chicago suburb of Wilmette, Illinois, Pete Wentz and Joe Trohman formed the band “Fall Out Boy,” which was born out of Chicago’s blustering Pop-Punk scene. Today the powerful four piece band consists of vocalist Patrick Stump, bassist Pete Wentz, guitarist Joe Trohman, and drummer Andy Hurley.
A few years after they were formed, I caught the (then) relatively unknown band performing live before a baseball game at US Cellular Field. It was clear from that performance that they had the talent to make a mark on the music scene at large, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Today, one of the bands you may catch at “the Cell” playing before a game is the blues-rock band “Last Second Drop” (formerly “the Hooks”); another band with suburban Chicago roots that is on the verge of something big. Similar to Fall Out Boy, Last Second Drop also features a powerful four man band: vocalist Chris Losacco, guitarist Adam Braverman, bassist Ashish Dave, and drummer Miles Fox.
On June 14, 2014, I had the opportunity to attend Last Second Drop’s album release party, for their latest release “Three Years,” at the famed Cubby Bear in the shadows of Chicago’s historic Wrigley Field. The experience was better than advertised; and so without further ado, allow me to introduce to you…“Last Second Drop.”
The Music
When you think of music in Chicago you will probably think of the “blues.” Last Second Drop was born from the gritty city feel of Chicago blues and nurtured by the loving hand of rock and roll. Their sound is a unique blend of different styles including the Allman Bros’ classic tones, the Black Crowes’ energetic jams, and Van Halen-esque choruses and solos.
Throughout their hour long set at the Cubby Bear, I heard elements in their music ranging from classic rock, to country, to blue grass, to hard rock. There were moments when I felt like a song would start at Alannah Myles’ “Black Velvet” transition to Incubus, and then culminate with some 80’s head-banging rock.
To say that Last Second Drop’s sound is unique and unlike anything currently on the radio is an understatement. During their performance at the Cubby Bear I went around and asked audience members who they felt the band sounded like and in what genre they fit. The answers I was given included The Allman Brothers, Fleetwod Mac, Van Halen, Tom Petty, Nickelback, ZZ Top, and The Black Crowes. From this informal survey and my own experience at the show, it’s clear there is a great blues foundation to this rock band resulting in a special sound; the men of LSD are certainly a talented, diverse, and outgoing bunch.
When you hear Last Second Drop perform you can’t help but think of all the good times you’ve had with a beer in your hand, enjoying the company of good friends, listening to a neighborhood band at your neighborhood bar. That’s the vibe they play with on stage, and it’s nice to see a group of guys who thoroughly enjoy playing with each other. Whether the night’s reward is a big payday or a round of beers, the boys of Last Second Drop come to play with a smile on their face and energy in their performance.
To hear music from Last Second Drop and to keep up with their band, check out their site at www.lastseconddrop.com.
Meet The Band
Last Second Drop evolved from the Band “The Hooks” which was created in February of 2010 by Adam Braverman and Ashish Dave. The two had previously played together as members of “Three Wiseman,” which was a Blues Band that played throughout Chicago from 2005-2007.
One of the first things you need to know about Last Second Drop is that like all great bands, they have a truly special guitarist. In the vein of Slash, the Edge, and Clapton, Adam Braverman clearly has the chops to give you an elite show with his guitar. Adam is not only a founder of the band, and a talented guitarist, but also is credited with writing the band’s songs.
Ashish Dave, co-founder of the band, first met Adam at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Raised in Skokie, IL Ash’s background is filled with his two passions, baseball and music. Ashish credits his love of music and his talent to his mother who enjoys singing classical Indian songs and always encouraged Ashish to pursue his love of music. Ashish brings a steady blues bass to LSD, which perfectly complements Braverman’s lead guitar. The two have been playing together for years, and just as with Ryan Tedder and Zack Elkins of One Republic, the long history between Ash and Adam shows in their comfort level and synchronicity on stage.
Miles Fox joined “The Hooks” as its drummer and stayed on for the transition to Last Second Drop. Miles is an established musician whose background includes over 20 years of percussion experience including playing with the Lake Forest College Jazz Band and his alt band “Kronic Obsession.” Fox is also the band’s backup vocalist.
Chris Losacco, the newest member of the band, brings an infusion of rock, through his powerful pipes, to the band’s blues roots. Chris has played in a variety of bands across genres and attributes his diverse experience as the fuel for his dynamic vocal attack. Though Chris has a calm reserved demeanor on stage he lets his powerful vocals shine through, pushing Last Second Drop’s music forward into a new era of blues rock.
All together the members of Last Second Drop have a broad and deep resume and have played some of the most hallowed halls in Chicago including: Lincoln Hall, Double Door, Buddy Guy’s Legends, US Cellular Field, The Cubby Bear, The Abbey, Elbo Room, Wise Fool’s Pub, The Tonic Room, Goose Island, Reggie’s Live, Red Line Tap, and Harrigan’s Pub to name a few. They also have played the Battle of the Bands, the famous Drinkin’ like Lincoln Pub Crawl, and most recently in the Guinness OysterFest in Roscoe Village. The band members have also played venues across the US including in New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Texas, California, Washington DC, and internationally as far as Taipei.
The Wrap Up
If you enjoy the Blues, and are looking for a great neighborhood bar band with a unique sound, be sure to check out Last Second Drop. Following a similar path as their predecessors, Fall Out Boy, but with a more Blues Rock edge, Last Second Drop will have you raising your beer(s) while you listen to their unique and diverse sound. Their songs embody their energy and attitude, which is all about good music, good friends, good drinks, and good times!
