LASTELLE. A stunning portrait of life with ambition and vulnerability. Exist with us they say. REVIEWED

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Category: news
Updated: 20th September 2025
Written by Bryony Mezzatesta
LASTELLE. A stunning portrait of life with ambition and vulnerability. Exist with us they say. REVIEWED

We have long been champions of Oxfordshire post-hardcore outfit Lastelle, and for good reason. There’s something about them, something that most alternative bands spend a lifetime trying to achieve - a consistent demonstration of the perfect balance between masterful professionalism and unhinged chaos. Adroit lyrical prowess seamlessly blended with production of epic proportions, both delivered with brute force and softness of heart in equal measure.

This autumn sees the return of Adam Rigozzi (screamed vocals), Mike Hayden (drums, clean vocals), Jonjo Williams (guitar), Freddie Whatmore (bass, vocals, flugelhorn), and Rich Lester (guitar) to the stage in celebration of the second and final installment of Lastelle’s linked project- ‘Exist - Vol ii’. An anthology with a big sound. The EP, released earlier this month, tackles similarly emotive subject matter to its predecessor, exploring grief, loss, the intricacies of neurodivergence, and the complexities of falling out of love. A broad spectrum of songwriting, with depth and intelligence.

It’s rare these days to find a band for whom songwriting and live performance are both their ‘greatest skill’. But there’s literally nothing in it here. It’s no wonder they’re climbing the ranks at such a pace. A warm and hazy Autumn evening in the city as drinkers spilled out onto the streets of Kentish Town. Early, as our style more than consistently dictates, we wandered into Boston Arms next door to find a couple of the boys from Lastelle connecting with fans in advance of the show. And this ability to connect is what sets them apart from the rest. There’s a mutual respect and down-to-earth-ness that’s refreshing to see.

Sauntering on, sticks held high in announcement, Mike Hayden appears quietly yet with presence before an audience committed and more than ready to dive headfirst into the experience. Followed by his comrades, with frontman Rigozzi bringing up the rear, it was clear this band was out to give just as much adoration as they received. Title track Exist up first, affording them the opportunity to witness the sea of ardent faces before them during its slow yet powerful build, Rigozzi’s familiar style- ethereal, almost celestial, but with an air of darkness about him, he eyeballs members of the crowd, arms out in proclamation as he watches the atmosphere intensify, while the hum and the buzz develops, changes. The dreamy drone of the guitars morphs into tremors and quakes, as the pace quickens, before they soar into Life In Silhouettes, one of the punchier numbers in their repertoire, with Whatmore’s brass interlude the crowning moment, always.

What followed was an assault on the senses, but in a really, really good way. One minute we find ourselves singing along in unison as Hayden throws out the tracks with powerful lyrical simplicity- Tired Eyes, Pine… the next we’re hunkered down shoulder to shoulder with Rigozzi in the pit as his screams ring out, decidedly more unhinged. He spends more time down and dirty with his spectators than he does on the stage these days, and appreciation for his actions is evident and vast. Pats on the back at the most unlikely of moments, and towards the latter end of the set, all time stopped as we witnessed a devoted fan on the shoulders of his best friend reach a fist out in slow motion to bump his idol. His response one of pure ecstasy. It's moments like these that stand out, that are remembered, not the perfect execution of a record, not the lighting, or the backdrop. It’s the connectedness of every person in that room. If a band can bring people together in the way Lastelle consistently manages to do, then they are surely on to a good thing.

Closing proceedings, the almighty Breathe Me In. And the point I stopped being a journalist. Just for a few minutes. It’s no secret I fell for this band at the first hurdle, and the sheer joy of working with those you love will never be lost on me. Sincere gratitude for everything this world affords us, our music community is precious, and that’s something we must never forget. Boys, you did us proud. Again.

Remaining tour dates as follows: Sep 20, Derby. Sep 21 Birkenhead, Sep 23 Glasgow, Sep 24, Manchester. Sep 25, Leeds. Sep 26, Sheffield.


Photo Credit Nick Allan