Letter Kills – The Bridge

I can still remember a year ago, almost exactly one year, when I first heard these guys. They had released a three song EP that just blew me away. I’m sure there are many people out there with the same experience as I had; hear them online, see them at warped, wait for the album. Now after a year of waiting here it is, The Bridge, the debut album from California’s Letter Kills. This isn’t your average band, not in the slightest. This is power, this is raw emotion brought straight to you through powerful vocals and jaw dropping guitars. A force to be reckoned with on stage, here they show they can record an album just as well as they can entertain a crowd.

The album starts with Lights Out, hearing the four-count on the hi-hats before lead singer Matt Shelton tears your ears open, screaming the name of the song, leaving it resonating in your lobes. This song is for the fans throught and through, with the lines “as long as we can sing we’ll sing for you”. The first song I ever heard from Letter Kills was the EP version of Don’t Believe. I must say, songs get re-done for full lengths countless times, and for the most part I don’t commonly like the changes and usually enjoy the demos better. This is an exception, as the new version still has all the energy and emotion as the first, and I actually like it better. On and on the album continues, with more rock tracks and some slower songs like Hold My Heart (Parts One and Two). The full package, an easy listen all the way through.

I must emphasise the guitar work on this album. It’s just amazing for my simple mind. Guitarists Timothy Cordova and Dustin Lovelis know how to play, and know how to make an impression. Just listen to the beginning of Don’t Believe and you’ll hear what i’m talking about. Not only the technical aspect of it all, it just fits perfectly with the songs, making it that much more brilliant. That’s not to downplay the rest of the band, as everyone is perfect for this band, and everyone is great at what they do. Paul Remund owns his drums while Kyle Duckworth rocks the bass. Still, the guitar work on this album takes front stage.

If I can recommend one album, one band to you guys this year Letter Kills would be it. Any band that can clasp me in their grips with only three songs for a whole year, then with the ability to record an album like this (not to mention the live show) deserves only the best. Anyone who already knows these guys will agree there’s something special here. And those who haven’t yet, trust me. One day you will, and one day you’ll feel the smile creep onto your face, you’ll feel your feet start to tap and your head start to nod. Letter Kills is the best thing 2004 has to offer to the music world.