When a submission email landed in my inbox that described the band as being ‘good for Sleater Kinney and Bikini Kill fans’. I was immediately compelled. Any regular readers of my reviews will know my love of female artists but with a particular soft spot for Riot Grrrl bands. The band’s ep that had winged its way to me, was an EP from a band called Loveletter. Not to be confused with the hardcore band Love Letter- who also pop up on a quick internet search.
Love Letter formed in early 2022 and are a trio from New York City. There does not appear to be too much information to be found about the band online, but I’d be surprised if that doesn’t change at some point in the near future. The EP, titled ‘Testament’ may only have five songs, but they are all immediate ear worm worthy songs.
I’m not sure I would personally say they sound similar to Bikini Kill but the comparison to Sleater Kinney fits fairly well. The vocals of singer and guitarist Gabriella remind me of Dorian Cox of The Long Blondes sweet vocals. The guitars are heavier than the Long Blondes though, creating danceable rock n roll which has that clear parallel to the Sleater Kinney sound- but I’d say a little on the heavier rock side perhaps.
Opening track ‘Bully’ has a ridiculously catchy bass line, and has a attitude of determination and grit with lyrics like “They will try to buy you off. But honey, you can get it for free. Feel no pleasure, feel no pain. Take it to 100 degrees“. Song ‘Dead Weight’ goes in headfirst with the epically fast riffage and seems to be about letting go in order to be free. My personal favourite is ‘Burn Up on Reentry’ that has an awesome riff that will stay with you for days.
‘Testament’ is out now and you can get it via Loveletter’s Bandcamp
Find Loveletter online: Instagram
Review by Hayley Foster da Silva
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