Last Fall

The Zoo Crew, a vibrant group of hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, is spinning the nostalgic track "Last Fall" by Deraps from their sophomore album Viva Rock N’ Roll for their dedicated Zoo Freaks. This song, released as the first single from the album on March 7, 2025, captures a classic 80s arena rock vibe with a strong Van Halen influence, particularly reminiscent of the Sammy Hagar era. According to a review from Sleaze Roxx, "Last Fall" starts with an upbeat, sing-along energy driven by Jacob Deraps’ signature guitar sound but loses momentum with an extended slower section post-guitar solo, a bold choice that some fans find disrupts the track’s flow. Despite this, the song’s nostalgic sound, dominant guitar riffs, and vocal harmonies have earned it praise for evoking tales of fading love, resonating with the ever-changing shades of autumn.

Another layer of intrigue comes from the album’s production, handled entirely by Jacob Deraps, who also played guitar, bass, and most lead vocals. In an interview with Sleaze Roxx, Jacob shared that the impeccable sound quality of Viva Rock N’ Roll came from simply “trusting his ears,” showcasing his intuitive approach to music production. The track’s lyric video, shared on YouTube, amplifies its nostalgic charm with visuals that complement the song’s emotional depth. Fans on Facebook have noted how "Last Fall" stands out for its melodic chorus and tight harmonies, making it a favorite for classic rock enthusiasts who vibe with the Zoo Crew’s retro aesthetic.

Deraps, the band behind "Last Fall," is a two-piece outfit led by Canadian guitarist and vocalist Jacob Deraps, born in St-Georges, Quebec in 1997, and Australian drummer Josh Gallagher from Perth. Their origin story is a modern rock tale: the duo met online through their shared passion for Van Halen covers, gaining recognition for their ability to capture the energy of early Van Halen tracks, as noted by Metal Temple Magazine. Jacob’s musical roots trace back to his childhood, influenced by his blues-rocker father and musically trained mother, who introduced him to Van Halen’s catalog. By age four, Jacob was already experimenting with a drum kit, playing along to Stone Temple Pilots’ “Interstate Love Song” with his parents’ band, as he shared on Apple Music. This early exposure fueled his obsession with guitar, leading him to master Eddie Van Halen’s iconic “brown” sound.

Jacob’s virtuosity earned him a deal with Music Man Ernie Ball for guitars and strings, and his online covers of Van Halen, Jake E. Lee, Vito Bratta, and Warren DeMartini solos built a dedicated following, as highlighted by Metal Experience. Josh Gallagher, equally talented, brought a dynamic rhythm section to the band, and together they released their self-titled debut in 2022, which was voted “Best New Band of 2022” by Japan’s Burrn! magazine. Their sophomore effort, Viva Rock N’ Roll, released via Metalville Records on May 23, 2025, showcases their growth, with Jacob taking on production and mixing duties. The band’s live performances, including opening for Blue Öyster Cult, Loverboy, and Foreigner, have solidified their reputation, as noted on HeadBangers Lifestyle.

For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with Deraps, the band is active across social media. Their official website, derapsofficial.com, offers merch like Viva Rock N’ Roll T-shirts and album preorders. Follow them on Facebook for updates and fan discussions, Instagram for behind-the-scenes content, and X for quick news and interactions. Fans can also join the Deraps Fans Facebook Group, a lively community sharing love for the band’s retro rock sound. While no dedicated fan websites were found, the band’s growing presence on platforms like YouTube keeps the Zoo Crew and their listeners plugged into Deraps’ high-energy world.