ALBUM REVIEW: Forever Undone – Letters Sent Home
After almost a decade in the industry, you would have thought that LETTERS SENT HOME would have said all they have wanted to say, but we are proven wrong! Having previously toured with BLACKOUT PROBLEMS and AS EVERYTHING UNFOLDS, the German alt rock quartet are currently three EPs of “sad, hard music” strong; revealing their latest effort Fire In Me in late 2022. They have just released their debut full-length album Forever Undone via SharpTone Records. This 11 track compilation shows an exciting progression since the release of their first initial single Mosaic Mirror back in 2020 – it seems as though they are still not afraid to discuss hard-hitting topics within their music.
With a range of differing musical influences from PVRIS and BRING ME THE HORIZON to more commercial artists such as BILLIE EILISH and HOLLY HUMBERSTONE, LETTERS SENT HOME appear to be on an upward trajectory.
The first track on Forever Undone is Earthquake, which has clear metal influence from the get-go. Emily Paschke‘s vocals transform effortlessly from an almost rap like vocal to a truly beautiful clean style, keeping things fresh and interesting. Request Denied‘s initial instrumentals sound pretty identical to folk metal, before blending smoothly into more of a pop-rock approach in the verses. It has deep lyrical content, showcasing the depth of Paschke‘s personal mental health; “that song (Request Denied) is almost about how we wanted to close that chapter of always talking about mental health and talking about the same thing,” says Emily. “We’ve talked about it so much and nothing’s changed. So instead of saying everything’s gonna get better, we’re saying, ‘Well, maybe it’s not, but it’s fine.’” It is the first song to get stuck in your head from the release.
Contrastingly, the next song Ignorance tackles the controversial theme of politics, exposing ‘the generational gap between those who currently control the future, and those who will have to live in it.’ The chorus is insanely catchy with the female/male vocal style between Paschke and DEAD LAKES‘ Sumy Peterson similar to that of HOT MILK‘s Jim Shaw and Hannah Mee.
Pedestal adds a somewhat unexpected sprinkle of metalcore vocals courtesy of HALF ME‘s Chris Zuehlke, which is very refreshing. On the other hand, Elements also offers something different with electronic synths blending into the production – very cool! Hysteria leans back into Paschke‘s rap influenced vocal style, which nods towards bands such as ICON FOR HIRE. Seven is the seventh track on Forever Undone – not a complete coincidence, right?! It is a bouncy alternative rock number, featuring a chorus with depth which will take your breath away.
Gaslight is a collaboration with fellow German post-hardcore group ROYALIST. Vocalist Ricardo Böttcher helps to make this track complete – a well-suited combination, that’s for sure. Sadist is also worth a listen, containing further electronic influences within the production. Up next is Final Battle, which is a little disappointing in comparison. The closer I Hope I Die First draws us in from the first second, discussing the potentially relatable topic of “loving someone so much that you would die for them”. This song was most definitely worth the wait – our favourite of the whole record.
Forever Undone is an album which is undoubtedly easy to listen to. Whilst vocally LETTERS SENT HOME pack a punch, they still have a little way to go until they provide us with a full length compilation of sure-fire bangers! Despite this, we commend them for experimenting with different musical genres, it definitely works for them.
Rating: 8/10
Forever Undone is out now via SharpTone Records.
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