The first version of L.S. Dunes - the band that introduced themselves to the world at Riot Fest in Chicago in 2022 and released their gloriously chaotic debut "Past Lives" later that year - came to life amidst turmoil. There was a pandemic. There were time and family constraints. Some members were touring with one of their many other bands: My Chemical Romance by Frank Iero, Saosin and Circa Survive by Anthony Green, Coheed and Cambria by Travis Stever and Thursday by Tim Payne and Tucker Rule, to name a few. But somehow they've managed to travel the world to inspire a growing and passionate fan base, establishing themselves as a unique band in their own right. Now, with the release of their second album "Violet" - again under the direction of Grammy-nominated producer Will Yip - L.S. Dunes deliver on the promise of their debut and in many ways open up the opportunity to rediscover the band in a different light: Where "Past Lives" draws its oxygen from the thrill of frenzy and impulsiveness, "Violet" breathes deeper with a more open and expansive palette. Whether in the confident and steady pulse of a song like "Machines", the sweeping lyrical power of "Paper Tigers", or the way "Forgiveness" forges itself as an anthem for love and unconditional acceptance in the face of our personal failures, "Violet" is a work that ensures multiple outcomes: There is retrospection. There is hope. There is, indeed, magic.