Artist: Letter Kills
Album:The Bridge
Label: Island Records
Rating:
Reviewer: Jordan Hoefar

Ah, yes…Yet another band out there that, in some people’s opinion, sounds like all the others. However, this band, this album, has an incandescent vibe of energy that will rise above the rest. So I ask you to crinkle up and throw away the opinions of people who believe music is more than it really is; which, obviously, is music. Emerging out of southern California can be a hard thing to do. Even more difficult and astounding is the fact that Letter Kills was formed in August of 2002 and signed to Island in late 2003. Now, to debut with The Bridge at #130 on the Billboard 200 its first week, selling 10,115 copies…Wow.

So while their music may not entirely live up to the hype that is built through those previously stated facts, it comes exceedingly close. The uplifting spirit put into the lyrics from “Carry You” (“I’m sick and tired of all this weight, I need the pressure pressed away. ‘I know my son, let me carry you.’”) makes an astounding accordance with the energy that bleeds through the grinding guitar riffs and intense vocals. But moshing tunes is not all that this band is capable of, and they let you know it by the immediately following ballad “Hold My Heart (Part Two)”. Vocal versatility proves to be a way for this band to flex their muscles. One minute you’ll be ready to scream and yell and rip someone’s head off; while the next minute you’ll be calmly put to sleep with a soothing voice.

Truly this is an album that the more you listen to the more you will grow to love. While at times they may remind you of bands such as Story of the Year, when the CD comes to a close you can sit back and know and recognize them as Letter Kills. However, I do not believe that these twelve songs fully encompass this bands ability. Personality and unique sound help separate these guys out, but creativity is something I bet is an element to Letter Kills that has yet to be fully tapped.

Even though I am impressed with this album, there’s a stirring in my bones that tells me this band hasn’t exploded yet. Fortunately, time is definitely on their side and so is a growing popularity (which means they can keep their bills paid while focusing on music). A band loaded with credentials and ability should only make us listeners eager for what the future holds. So for all of you lovely people out there, I have a three step plan for you to follow. Step 1: Buy “The Bridge” and listen to it. Step 2: Go check these guys out live, they have an amazing show. Step 3: Wait anxiously for their next album and pee your pants when it comes.