I’ve been asked why I review music that has been out for years. Honestly, that’s a valid question. I feel like we live in a world where everyone wants new and shiny but, to me, new is new and, if it’s new to me, I feel safe in assuming it’s new to someone else as well. So, yes, ‘When It Meant Something’ from Letters to Elise might be ten years old but it’s new to me so let’s jump into this quick five-song EP and see what it’s all about!
“Addicted To Your Name” kicks things off on this EP. This three-minute opening track wastes no time in laying out an addictive sound from this band. It’s a chill opening track but it absolutely packs a punch and showcases the flawless pop-punk-styled vocals that I’m hoping reign supreme throughout this album. Although it has a classic sound that absolutely feels like 2011, there’s something timeless about it and the emotion that comes through is, without a doubt, perfect. Although I kept waiting for this song to really hit and provide me with an epic breakdown to scare the cats with, I lowkey loved the fact that that never happened and this opening song stayed soft and sweet.
You get more of a hard edge with the guitars that kick off “Fake” but, like the opening track, this song stays fairly calm overall. Although I thought I wanted a giant breakdown, I was falling for this softer style more and more with every note. Even with this softer overall style, there’s no denying the energy within Letters to Elise’s sound and this track is a perfect example of that. I know we are only on the second track of this EP but “Fake” was absolutely an instant favorite of mine. It’s just such a well-rounded track complete with gang vocals and it truly encompasses early 2000’s pop-punk/ emo without feeling dated.
Although all of the songs so far on this EP have been drenched with emotion, “Seven” really takes the cake. Just like every other pop-punk band from back in the day, “Seven” is the soft and sweet love song that people my age used to listen to when breaking up with high school sweethearts. “Seven” is such a sweet and tender track that, even though I’m not breaking up with a high school sweetheart right now, hit me right in the gut. I lost myself in this track in the best way possible and although I’ll never truly admit to loving heartbreak songs like this one, Letters to Elise really nailed it on this track.
Thankfully, “Not Without a Fight” took over my house before “Seven” had me bawling my eyes out and it brought with it a bit more of an edge than the band showed off in “Fake”. I loved this stark contrast in mood and the sudden shift from tender to bitterness (although, when you listen to the words in “Seven”, it’s really not as sweet as it appears to be). Although I still didn’t get my epic breakdown I so badly wanted in “Not Without A Fight”, I loved every second of this track and was instantly reminded of bands like Just Surrender and Hidden in Plain View. If you’re a sucker for nostalgia like I am then this song is absolutely going to be your new favorite jam.
I could listen to Letters to Elise all night but this EP sadly comes to an end with “Mannequin Down”. This continues with the edge felt in “Not Without A Fight” and almost expands on it. This was another favorite of mine on this album due to the driving drum rhythm and the pure nostalgia it made me feel. Honestly, had I known about this band years ago, I probably would have been a Myspace stalker on them. Even with the amount of nostalgia that comes with this album, there’s still something timeless about it (at least to an emo kid like me).
Don’t worry, this band is still around and they actually sent me a few releases to check out so keep an eye open for some reviews of their newer music! Here’s to hoping they have stayed true to the amazing sound and style laid out on this EP!
My Favorite Track(s): “Fake”; “Mannequin Down”
For Fans Of: Nostalgic Emo Sounds
Mosh-ability: 7 out of 10
What My Cats Thought Of It: Artie laid right next to my desk; Autumn slept upstairs
How Badly I Want To See This Performed Live: 10 out of 10
My Overall Rating: 9.8 out of 10
Check Out Letters To Elise Here:
Letters to Elise on Myspace (If only Myspace was still a thing but I loved that this was listed on the back of their CD)
Check out ‘When It Meant Something’ HERE!
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Check Out My New Playlist With All of My Favorite Songs HERE!
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