Letlive

Letlive. are a band with something rare to defend in 2016, a perfect two-for-two with regards recorded output, and a flawless reputation in the live arena.

Building their reputation on politically-charged songs served alongside an incendiary, razor-sharp live show led by charismatic, enigmatic frontman Jason Aalon Butler, letlive, brought their brand of 'soul punk' to the forefront of this decade's musical landscape.

All eyes on If I'm The Devil, then. A sonic step away from Fake History and The Blackest Beautiful, it sets its stall out early. I've Learned To Love Myself is sprawling, expansive and a devastating tidal wave to Casino Columbus' flick knife to the eye.

Continue reading: Letlive - If I'm The Devil... Album Review

Let the fresh and unique combination of melodic, screaming vocals, heavy guitars with reggae vibes and inspiring lyrics, live. 

The influences on Letlive.'s new record, Blackest Beautiful, are so clear it could pass as a Rage Against The Machine, Skindred and Bring Me The Horizon greatest hits constellation on a nu-metal version of NOW hits: 2013. With such a broad selection of styles, it is intentionally difficult to marginalise letlive. into a single genre, as they remain so positively unpredictable with each track supplying a different sound, yet containing the same unmistakable identification recognised with letlive. 

Opening track 'Banshee (Ghost Fame)' immediately informs you what letlive. are all about - freedom. The band aren't afraid to use daring lyrics to compliment their daring sound; as 'Banshee' openly states, the tragic humour in the entertainment industry which can 'bastardise' an ideal or person. Their courage is admirable and their sound astonishing. 

Continue reading: Letlive - Blackest Beautiful Album Review

Back in my teens, the first music genre I truly fell in love with was hardcore punk, as well as some post-hardcore. While my friends were discovering the likes of Metallica and Iron Maiden, I was vibing like a maniac to Amen and Million Dead. If I saw the Epitaph logo on the back of the CD case, that was enough of a seal of approval for me. Bands like Refused and Glassjaw used to give me a dizzy thrill, but as my musical tastes grew and matured, those hardcore CDs became a little neglected and put back on the shelf. Nowadays, when a media frenzy ensues around a new hardcore band, I always have a little peak for old times' sake, but that original thrill has been replaced by a lesser nostalgic buzz. This is the case with Fake History, Letlive's first album on Epitaph.

Continue reading: Letlive, Fake History Album Review