Christian Savill and Sean Hewson formed Monster Movie in 1989, but the band was put on hold until 1999. When Savill parted ways with Slowdive, the two started recording again, and Last Night Something Happened is the first full-length from the duo, originally released in 2002. Although the shoegaze DNA still lingers, Savill and Hewson expand their sound, crafting a more atmospheric record that's heavier on acoustic guitars and piano notes than pedals and synth drones. What comes forth is a distinctly wistful dream pop record—check out the beautiful and jengly "Waiting," which feels like a lighter Slowdive tune, or the opener "First Trip to the City," a melancholic, stripped down instrumental that succeeds in setting the mood. Songs like "Home," "Shortwave," and "Sleeping On a Train" also embody the lonely, slightly blurry sound, and this is a welcome reissue (first time in 17 years) granted that the OG copies, limited to 500 units, go for a good amount of money on vinyl marketplaces.

• first reissue in 17 years
• Crash Landing EP included
• clear & white vinyl, 180g pressing
• limited to 1000 copies
• includes printed lyrics
• music label: Graveface 2002 / 2019

reviewed by singing in japanese 03/2020