Letters Sent Home – ‘Forever Undone’ [Album Review]

Formed in Germany in 2015 while at School, Letters Sent Home has produced a handful of singles and EPs; however, Forever Undone is the band’s first album release. Their sound is unique; although they draw on many styles and have elements similar to specific bands, these influencing factors are quite minimal and never come across as a carbon copy. Letters Sent Home has been described as “sad, hard music” producers and this three-word description encapsulates who they are and what they do perfectly.

The record opens with “Earthquake”. The tune starts with vocalist Emily Paschke (who shared with us her favourite songs and albums here) delivering softly spoken lyrics before the rest of the band joins, changing the tone of the tune in an instant to something much heavier during a short instrumental moment before the tune returns to its more subdued state. Paschke’s lyrical delivery on this tune (much like several other tracks on this record) captures so many emotional states. They are depressive yet strangely uplifting, grandiose but maintaining a subdued tone. It is a beautiful melancholy track that perfectly captures the band’s nature.

The following track, “Request Denied,” switches the tone, delivering a much more upbeat tune that draws on many musical elements with a funky rock n’ roll intro, pop, and touches of EDM. Paschke’s lyrical delivery is outstanding, with a bouncy, upbeat feel that contrasts strongly against the context. Lines such as “I’ve wrote a thousand songs about depression, but I’m still depressed” capture the raw emotion of what Letters Sent Home conveys in their songwriting. “Request Denied” is a hit waiting to be discovered by the masses, and despite the sad nature of the lyrics, it’s impossible not to feel uplifted by the song. “Ignorance” utilizes dual vocals, bringing in Summer Peterson of Dead Lakes for a powerful pop-rock ballad that, once again, folds various genres into the tune. Letters Sent Home further guests Chris Zuehlke on “Pedestal” and Royalist on “Gaslight.”

“Elements” is possibly the most experimental track on Forever Undone. As with many of the songs on this record, it layers several styles into it. The chorus utilizes momentary EDM beats to compliment the tune without wandering too far into that territory. These moments strongly contrast against other sections of the tune, especially the intro, which has a very slow and gentle feel. While the faster moments don’t pick up the tempo too much, it’s enough to deliver a noticeable shift in tone.

Letters Sent Home, photo by Jana Boese

The closing track, “I Hope I Die First,” is the perfect bookend to a truly outstanding record. This love song is exquisite in its delivery. The tale of the fear of being hurt due to love is relatable, but the admiration Paschke has for whom she is directing her words is nothing more than spellbinding.

All tracks on this record have a uniqueness to them that clearly differentiates themselves from one another while maintaining a unified approach that ties everything together beautifully within the album. Music should invoke feelings in the listener, and the juxtaposed emotions Letters Sent Home injects into their songwriting will have you singing along with joy while a tear of sadness rolls down your cheek. I challenge you not to be moved by Forever Undone!

Forever Undone Track Listing:

1. Earthquake
2. Request Denied
3. Ignorance (feat. Dead Lakes)
4. Pedestal (feat. Chris Zuehlke)
5. Elements
6. Hysteria
7. Seven
8. Gaslight (feat. Royalist)
9. Sadists
10. Final Battle
11. I Hope I Die First

Run Time: 31:46
Record label: SharpTone Records
Release Date: April 12, 2024