It is no secret that the UK and Ireland seem flooded with numerous new post-punk and art-rock outfits that typically receive international acclaim for their stereotypically melancholy lyrics juxtaposed by high-energy instrumentation. London-based Deadletter are the latest to step up to the podium, releasing their debut album, Hysterical Strength, following the success of several singles, an EP, and sold-out shows across the UK and Europe. The album showcases Deadletter at the peak of their creativity, featuring a diverse range of songwriting styles and infectious hooks.
Commencing with an injection of industrial bass work, ‘Credit to Treason’ introduces listeners to Deadletter, a slow-burning, tense introduction. As its fuse is lit, frantic drum tones are introduced, accompanied by grungy guitar elements that provide a strong foundation for vocalist Zac Lawrence’s cautionary message. He warns, ‘It’s a futile investment to tempt it with patience’ before the track reveals its final form, coming to life with intense energy.
Previous single, ‘More Heat!’ is a slice of classic Deadletter – compiled of dynamic basslines, abrasive and dissonant guitar riffs, alongside captivating saxophone melodies as the lyrics offer a profound exploration of the human inclination toward self-deception. The saxophone plays an integral role in Deadletter, shaping the dynamics of each track and setting the band apart from others in their field.
‘Mother’ exemplifies the band’s talents as it opens with a captivating blend of jangly and haunting guitar lines, establishing an intense and atmospheric mood. Lawrence’s powerful vocals convey a nuanced sense of restrained intensity in the verses, further enhanced by the band’s skilled instrumentation. The song builds up to a climactic chorus, where it erupts into a frenzy of sound, creating a truly unique listening experience.
However, its six songs in which Hysterical Strength starts to feel repetitive tracks like ‘A Haunting’ and ‘It Flies’ greet listeners with familiar makeup, a soft introduction that gradually escalate into chaos. It becomes obvious that Deadletter are highly skilled in their area but unwilling to step out of their comfort zone and to further push themselves forward in a saturated scene, some differentiation is needed.
‘Deus Ex Machina’ is a track that almost veers into unknown musical territory, transporting listeners into a dystopian landscape, a brooding introduction and a chorus that almost changes lanes to being a pop track, before reverting to being Deadletter-by-numbers.
Deadletter are an impeccably talented band, as evidenced by their masterful live performances and impressive EP. While Hysterical Strength showcases their talents well, it feels repetitive at times, the album as a whole seems to be overshadowed by a multitude of their post-punk peers.
The post Deadletter – Hysterical Strength appeared first on Indie is not a genre.