EP REVIEW: Fire In Me – Letters Sent Home
German alternative rock/dark pop four-piece LETTERS SENT HOME have had a busy five years. Since their formation in 2017, they’ve released two EP’s; their self-titled debut in 2020, followed closely by Misery Loves Company just last year. Inspired by bands like AS EVERYTHING UNFOLDS and HOLDING ABSENCE, the quartet’s sound encases a variety of musical genres such as post-hardcore, alternative rock, pop rock, as well as synth and dark pop. 2021 was a huge year for the band, as their most recent EP release rocketed them to success. Gaining significant media attention from national alternative media outlets, the band also managed to snag a record deal with the independent London-based label Hassle Records.
Keen to continue striving for stardom, LETTERS SENT HOME are back just a year later with their third upcoming EP Fire In Me. This body of work could be their most personal yet, with vocalist Emily Paschke detailing her raw, honest experiences struggling with mental health. However, it is clear from the start that these themes go a lot further than just what is heard on the record. LETTERS SENT HOME are also the founders of the mental health initiative Helpless But Hopeful, going as far as to create a festival style event and podcast combining music and mental health discussions in a way we have never seen before.
The first track is Fire. From the outset, Paschke‘s vocals grab the listener’s attention and keep them well and truly hooked as the song develops. Effortlessly combining synthesisers with a notable dark pop sound, Fire makes sure that you are hanging onto every word that Paschke is singing. Next up is Born To Die, which changes things up with a rockier vibe. Paschke‘s vocals fit this genre perfectly – this is the musical path she was supposed to be following. Even though the guitar work from Robin Werner really adds something to this song, the chorus is somewhat forgettable. Phoenix begins with another alternative rock style guitar riff, which builds intrigue for what’s coming next, although disappointingly there is nothing to differentiate the rest of this song from others in the genre.
Misery Loves Company is next, featuring guest vocals from BEING AS AN OCEAN‘s Joel Quartuccio. Quartuccio‘s part makes this song, with his vocals having a similar feel to HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD. The stripped back version of Misery Loves Company follows this, which is so much more impactful that the original. Providing as much emotion as some of AVRIL LAVIGNE‘s slower tracks, Paschke‘s vocals are just outstanding throughout. You feel really in tune with how she is feeling whilst singing this song, and your attention is piqued every step of the way. The last track is the fully produced version of the song without Quartuccio‘s input and unfortunately it lacks emotion and conviction. Perhaps the stripped back version of Misery Loves Company would have been a much more suitable closer to this EP.
Fire In Me is a bit of a surprise. Whilst the band clearly have the musicianship nailed, the choruses throughout the EP just lack memorability, even though they will be relatable to a lot of people. They are doing a fantastic job at being mental health advocates, but unfortunately, their music isn’t at the same level just yet.
Rating: 6/10
Fire In Me is set for release on December 2nd via Hassle Records.
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