Ostraca - Last

Review by Silvio Sivuca

Album Review: Ostraca’s Last – A Hardcore Punk Punch to the Feels Alright, let’s talk about Last, the 2020 release from UK-based noise-makers Ostraca. If you’re into punk, rock, or anything with a side of hardcore angst, this album might just be your new favorite thing. It’s got all the feels, all the chaos, and enough stylistic twists to keep you guessing. Think emo, post-hardcore, and straight-up punk vibes colliding like a mosh pit at a house show. And honestly? It works. The record came out on Skeletal Lightning (twice!), i.corrupt Records, and even saw some self-released love via Not On Label. Artwork and design were handled by Sasha Schilbrack-Cole, who clearly knows how to make something look as raw as it sounds. Lance did triple duty recording, mixing, and mastering—props to him for keeping things tight without losing that gritty edge. Now, onto the tracks. With titles like “Confronting Imagism,” “Worn Away,” and “Waiting for the Crash” repeated multiple times in slightly different cases (we see you, tracklist quirks), it’s clear Ostraca isn’t here to hold your hand. They’re here to scream catharsis into your soul. Let’s zoom in on two standout songs: “Confronting Imagism” This one hits hard right outta the gate. The opening riff grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go until you’re gasping for air. It’s fast, furious, and dripping with emotion—like someone took their inner turmoil and turned it up to eleven. What sticks with me is how the vocals oscillate between desperate yells and almost-whispered lines. You can practically feel the frustration radiating off this track. It’s not perfect, but damn if it doesn’t resonate. “The Orchard” If “Confronting Imagism” is the adrenaline rush, then “The Orchard” is where Ostraca lets you catch your breath—but only for a second. This track sneaks up on you with its quieter intro before exploding into an emotional gut-punch. There’s something haunting about the way the guitar work builds tension, layer by layer, until you’re drowning in sound. By the time it ends, you’ll either wanna cry or punch a wall. Maybe both. What I love most about Last is its refusal to play it safe. Sure, there are moments where repetition gets a bit much (seriously, why so many versions of the same song title?), but it adds to the overall vibe. It’s messy, imperfect, and unapologetically human—all qualities that make great punk music great. So yeah, if you’re looking for polished production or radio-friendly hooks, this ain’t it. But if you want an album that feels like a late-night conversation with a friend who gets it, give Last a spin. Just don’t blame me when you find yourself yelling lyrics alone in your room. Final thought: Listening to Ostraca feels like being handed a cup of coffee brewed too strong—it jolts you awake, leaves a bitter taste, and somehow makes everything clearer. Also, fun fact: apparently Lance did everything except write the lyrics. Dude deserves a medal—or at least a nap.

Artist: Ostraca
Album: Last

2017

Rating: 5.0

Review
About Album
Download
Tracks
Video
Images
Catalog Numbers
Labels
Listen online
Formats
Companies
Credits
Notes
Barcodes
About Artist
Interesting fact
Comments
Related albums

Download

Filename: ostraca-last.zip

MP3 size: 132.6 mb
FLAC size: 885.7 mb

Download

Tracks

Track	Duration	Preview
The Orchard	2:4
Waiting For The Crash	3:37
Waiting For The Crash	3:37
Childlike	4:41
Waiting for the Crash	3:37
Nausea	9:50
Confronting imagism
confronting imagism
nausea
Confronting Imagism	2:39
Worn Away	6:34
childlike
worn away
waiting for the crash
Worn Away	6:34
the orchard
Childlike	4:41

Video

Ostraca - Last (Full Album)

Images

Catalog Numbers

SL-056
SL-056 ICR045
SL-056, ICR045

Labels

Skeletal Lightning
Skeletal Lightning, i.corrupt Records
Not On Label (Ostraca Self-released)

Listen online

ouvir online
ascolta in linea
écouter en ligne
kuunnella verkossa
escuchar en línea
online luisteren
lyssna på nätet
lytte på nettet
online anhören

Formats

Vinyl
12"
33 ⅓ RPM
Album
Limited Edition
Special Edition
White
Cassette
LP
Stereo
Blue W/ Black Smoke
6 × File
MP3
320 kbps
Gold w/ black splatter

Companies

Role	Company
Pressed By	Flight 13 Duplication
Recorded At	Minimum Wage Studios
Mixed At	Minimum Wage Studios
Mastered At	Minimum Wage Studios

Credits

Role	Credit
Artwork	Sasha Schilbrack-Cole
Design	Sasha Schilbrack-Cole
Recorded By	Lance
Mixed By	Lance
Mastered By	Lance

Notes

Deluxe edition. Foil-stamped alternate black covers.
white. /50
limited to 15 casssettes
1st Press
/250 Blue W/ Black Smoke [THIS]
/250 White
Recorded, mixed, and mastered at Minimum Wage Recording November - December 2016.
2nd pressing of 300 copies
/250 Blue W/ Black Smoke
/250 White [THIS]

Barcodes

Matrix / Runout (Side A (Etched)): FLV209.860 A
Matrix / Runout (Side B (Etched)): FLV209.860 B

About Ostraca

Emo-violence/screamo from Richmond, Virginia

Aliases

Kilgore Trout

Members

John Crogan
Gus Caldwell
Brian Russo

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know that the album *Last* by Ostraca is a raw burst of emotion packed into just a few tracks? It’s wild how one person, Lance, handled recording, mixing, and mastering the whole thing. The artwork and design were done by Sasha Schilbrack-Cole, giving it that gritty, DIY vibe. With its mix of punk, emo, and post-hardcore styles, it feels like a chaotic yet heartfelt journey. And get this—some track titles are repeated but slightly altered, almost like they’re reminding you to pay attention. Released in 2020 across the UK, Europe, and the US, it’s got this underground feel, especially since some versions were self-released. Pretty cool for an album with so much intensity!