ARTIST: Republic of Letters
TITLE: Spirit or a Ghost
LABEL: Unsigned
GENRE: Indie
BITRATE: 186kbps avg
PLAYTIME: 0h 20m total
RELEASE DATE: 2007-06-00
RIP DATE: 2007-06-24
Track List
----------
1. Bridge 3:43
2. Beating Faster 3:32
3. Falling Back 3:08
4. No Time For Fears 4:12
5. Lost Within 2:57
6. Spirit or a Ghost 2:30
Release Notes:
No Fall From Grace
Not too long ago, before Snow Patrol really hit it big with their Final Straw
album, there was another Celtic-tinged rock band by the name of Idlewild who
came so close to emulating the Irish band. However, despite huge songs and
wonderful musicianship, they never quite got the break they deserved.
Nevertheless, there is still a huge market for this kind of epic indie, and with
Spirit or a Ghost, San Diego quartet Republic of Letters may succeed where their
peers Idlewild failed.
Coming across as a mix of Snow Patrol, Idlewild and even a little smidgeon of
much-loved Scottish band Big Country, Republic of Letters play the kind of indie
that never seems to fall from grace. With sweeping choruses, soaring vocals and
hooks that grab you with no thought for your safety, their six-track EP is a
wonderful sign of what this band can offer.
The Sound of Future Festivals
Leading with Bridge, Republic of Letters immediately make their mark and show
you exactly what they're about. Vocalist Venti has that Gary Lightbody quality
about his voice û at once intimate and open, and possibly where the Snow Patrol
comparison comes from the most. Pulsating, unrelenting and melodic as hell, it's
an impressive marking point.
Beating Faster is a glorious three and a half minute piece of sheer pop rock,
and shouldn't be sitting on an unsigned band's EP. With swooping guitars and
resonating bass, this is a song that deserves to be heard by anyone that's ever
attended a summer music festival and caught one of these magical moments when
you know you've just witnessed something special.
Instant Gratification
Whatever bands influenced the members of Republic of Letters the most must have
made one hell of a soundtrack when they were growing up, for the music Spirit or
A Ghost offers is both uplifting and polished. In fact, the EP's 6 tracks
reinforce the knowledge that some of the best music being made today is by
unsigned bands, as shown by the short but memorable Falling Back.
No Time For Fears is the longest song on display here, yet even that only clocks
in at just over 4 minutes, and it's this appreciation for short, sharp bursts of
instant gratification that makes the songs of Republic of Letters such a
pleasure to listen to (as well as the small matter of actually being impressive,
too!). Lost Within reminds you of the British band James in their heyday, and
showcases the versatility of the band's songwriting skills.
Mass Appeal
The last song on the EP is actually the title track, and as such, Spirit or a
Ghost doesn't disappoint. Opening with an almost military-like drumbeat, it's
both Celtic and dramatic in feel, with good use of echo both in the music and
singing, and could quite easily sit as a closing song on the next Chris Columbus
movie soundtrack.
Since their inception, Republic of Letters has built up a loyal fan-base and a
good reputation for a solid live show. With an appearance at the much vaunted
South by Southwest festival this year behind them as well, it may not be too
much longer that the likes of Beating Faster is sitting on the EP of an unsigned
band