The Death Letters – Common Prayers CD
The first thing that strikes you when you get your hands on the cover of Common Prayers is the grim style. It is somewhat reminiscent of the images from the horror film The Ring (in which people are called after playing a mysterious VHS tape with the message that they only have seven days left). Ms. Hill has therefore not unleashed much cheerfulness on Duende. Duende writes together with Hill about abuses in the world, humanity and therefore ourselves. That sounds very dark, but it is precisely hope that plays a major role in their vision of the chaos around us. See it as a philosophical awareness.
Common Prayers starts off very sweetly with a rippling guitar. That is almost a relief for those who have first absorbed the heavy theme. Then We Chant Arhythmically is a light indie number that makes you long for a festival tent. The lyrics do reflect cynicism, but Death Letters does not immediately force it down your throat and that is actually quite nice. Still, this record is meant to pull the listener out of his comfort zone. So he gets a blow in the form of Nomadic Childhood. The musical style suddenly changes from indie to noise à la System Of A Down. Then Presbyterian Hospital is another song with which we can soothe babies. It is this musical rollercoaster in combination with the melancholic poetry that makes Common Prayers an album that must be listened to attentively. It is material for the listener who likes to immerse himself in the music.
Death Letters has delivered an intelligent record with this third studio album that will appeal to both fans of Arcade Fire and Tool. In the best case, you won't just let this music pass you by, but you will sit down for a while, if necessary with the cover in your hands, because Common Prayers will not leave you cold. Death is a frequently recurring motif in the album, but don't be afraid to become tired of life. What matters is that we make the best of it ourselves.
Label: Silent Voice Records
Country: Germany
Media Condition: Mint (M)
Sleeve Condition: Mint (M)
Sealed