If Glassjaw and The Blood Brothers ever tracked down their troublesome bastard love child, it would almost certainly go by the name of LETLIVE. Formed in 2002, Los Angeles’ premier yelpy upstarts letlive. are, beyond all doubt, one of the most exciting and exhilarating bands doing the rounds at present, despite not exactly being the newest additions to the musical landscape.
Boasting an unrivalled urgency at sonic speed and awkward guitar attacks like lightning, ‘Fake History’ is a perfect post-hardcore punch. Initially released back in early 2010, it is an hour-long detonation – turbulent, relentless and extreme, the brilliant musicianship is bettered only by frontman JB’s thoroughly impressive vocal explosions.
‘Casino Columbus’ is a high intensity, boisterous blast, adorned with alternate screeches and sighs, bringing the depth expected of a much more established group to the heart of the release. ‘Homeless Jazz’ is jagged and angular, portraying a more intricate side to the group, without losing their inherent hardcore edge. Catastrophically bratty with plenty of scope for singalongs and dancealongs, it is letlive.’s unique sound which has seen them gain such notoriety over the past few months.
Despite having already been propelled to the forefront of the minds of many, it’s clear that Letlive. have only just started their passionate and furious attack on the mainstream. They may have transported dramatically from zero to hero in the space of just a few months, but there’s no denying that there is so much more in store for these reckless American lads. Be it a kick in the teeth or a fully-fledged assault, you can be sure that letlive. won’t go down without a fight. This is your warning.
OLIVIA JAREMI