Oxford-based post-hardcore band LASTELLE are preparing to take the next step with the release of Exist (Extended Edition), arriving on 20 November, 2026, via their own label, YOU RANG? RECORDS. Bringing together material from their two Exist EPs (vol i and vol ii), the 15-track collection features one previously unreleased song alongside three reimagined versions of tracks from their back catalogue.
More than simply a compilation, the extended edition offers a fresh perspective on the band’s recent work, highlighting their willingness to revisit familiar material while exploring new creative directions.
At its core, the release explores different aspects of human nature, touching on inner struggles, emotional vulnerability, mental health and the complexities of relationships. Blending atmospheric passages with post-hardcore intensity, LASTELLE create a dynamic soundscape that moves between raw aggression and almost ethereal moments.
The journey begins with ‘Pine’, a track exploring the contrast between inner turmoil and the desire to open up to someone. It captures the difficulty of expressing complicated emotions while longing to be understood, establishing the deeply personal atmosphere that runs throughout the release.
Next comes ‘Life In Silhouettes’, whose melancholic atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for Adam Rigozzi's vocals. His performance brings considerable emotional depth to the composition, making it one of the album’s most compelling moments.
‘Breathe Me In’ further demonstrates the strength of the band’s songwriting, balancing emotional intensity with powerful instrumentation. Adam once again delivers an outstanding vocal performance, while drummer Mike Hayden deserves particular recognition for his contribution to the track’s chorus. It is also one of the songs that helped establish LASTELLE within the European post-hardcore scene.
The emotional momentum continues through ‘Changes with the Seasons’, ‘In Separation’, ‘In Unison’ and the title track, ‘Exist’. Together, these songs showcase the band’s ability to combine atmospheric arrangements, powerful instrumentation and emotionally charged performances.
With ‘Tired Eyes’, the focus shifts towards emotional suffering, mental exhaustion and the tendency to turn a blind eye to problems within a relationship, even when its foundations are already beginning to crumble.
One of the release’s more distinctive moments arrives with ‘Bitter Roots’, a two-minute instrumental passage opening with a German-language voicemail featuring a desperate plea for help. Its unsettling atmosphere serves as a thematic introduction to ‘Bitter Seeds’, an emotionally charged composition exploring the different stages of a breakup and the struggle to move forward.
‘The Silence Hurts The Most II’ continues the story introduced in the first instalment, which appeared on the band’s debut EP, but approaches it from a different perspective. Beginning with a calm, almost otherworldly atmosphere, the track gradually builds in intensity as the full instrumentation comes into play, demonstrating the band's ability to create tension and emotional impact.
The extended edition also introduces ‘Ghosts’, the only previously unreleased song in the collection. It makes for a welcome addition to LASTELLE’s catalogue, reinforcing the qualities that make their sound so compelling.
Alongside this new material, the release features three reimagined tracks: ‘Bluebells (Redux)’, ‘Breathe Me In (Reprise)’ and ‘Pine (Reprise)’. The latter, featuring Charlie Rolfe of As Everything Unfolds, is particularly noteworthy. Both vocalists complement each other exceptionally well, while the acoustic guitar gives the original composition an even darker, more melancholic atmosphere.
Ultimately, Exist (Extended Edition) is a compelling collection that brings together the different elements of LASTELLE’s musical identity. Its exploration of personal struggles, emotional vulnerability and complicated relationships is supported by thoughtful songwriting and a distinctive blend of atmospheric and post-hardcore influences. More than an expanded collection, it offers a fresh perspective on the band’s creative journey and provides an encouraging indication of what might come next.
For those looking to experience LASTELLE live, the band will also be joining Half Me for an EU/UK tour running from 27 November through 20 December, 2026.