Album Review :
Let//Go - Let//Go EP

Artist: Let//Go
Title: Let//Go EP
Label: none
Release Date: 11/15/13
Reviewer: Scott Swan

Tracklisting:

1. The Sent One
2. Religious Bickering
3. Modern Mistakes
4. Of Her
5. Judith

One of art’s more basic functions is to provide a pathway of communication. A way for humans to somehow try to reach other humans with a message. There are inspiring messages about purpose, life, and love. But, there are also messages about anger, disappointment, and rage. These are things that just pour out of artists at times. It can’t be stifled, nor should it be.

It is with this in mind that we take a look at the debut, self titled EP from Let//Go. The Minnesota band has crafted a record with many of those themes mentioned, and have packaged it within a well put together musical backdrop. It will become clear while listening to this EP, that the words growled by vocalist Travis Peterson are full of passion, even during the more mellow times. There are no “clean” vocals or trade offs to be had on this record, no breaks from the vocal onslaught, just honest raw emotion. The music is also pretty relentless for the most part, straight forward pounding rhythms with melodic grooves mixed in. The talent is clearly evident here. For this being a debut offering, one can only look to the future with high expectations. Fans who enjoy the sound of a band like Gideon, will have no problem getting into the style of Let//Go.

“The Sent One” is a great first taste. Sort of a tale of two songs, the first half being slow and methodical, while the second half picks up the pace. Focusing lyrically on shedding the light of hope into a hurting world. It could be taken straight out of Matthew chapter 5, where Christ is speaking of believers being the salt and light. “There’s a hope in this broken world/so spread that hope/There’s a light that will make the darkness fall/we are that light.”

The title of the second track, “Religious Bickering,” clearly sets the theme for the tune. A call for ending Pharisee-like attitudes and holding to the idea of picking each other up in the faith instead of letting small things tear us apart. This idea is captured well in this part of the second verse: “I think it’s time that we finally be the generation to set love free/Were we not called to pick up our brothers?Were we not called to spread the love?/Were we not called to carry each other?”

For me, “Modern Mistakes” is one of the most interesting tracks on the record. At first, building slowly through the opening few lines, then the intensity just continues to build all the way to the last few screams. The song seems to be focusing on a person who has broken off from the faith, possibly after a tragic event. Only later to realize he has made a mistake and has actually had a part in taking our Savior “To that hilltop where they hung you on a criminals tree.”  Then ending with the aforementioned screams of “Murderer murderer/I killed the author of the law/Murderer murderer/I killed the author of life.”

“Of Her” is an introspective tune that speaks of letting the past go and learning to trust and love again. The song also speaks of a “Monster” that was apparently very discouraging and cowardly. Then later admits that “My friends all along that monster was me.” The drums and rhythm section pounding in some sections, only to relent in others. A nice interplay of tempos that keep the song fresh.

I mentioned in the first paragraph about art sometimes communicating anger. Enter the final track on the record, “Judith.” This song is about abuse. More specifically, a father abusing his own daughter. Being a father of two daughters, this is a subject that hits home for me. The thought of abuse being inflicted on a young child is awful, but when the abuse comes from someone who is supposed to protect them, it makes it that much more repulsive. There is a word in this song that many will consider vulgar, and I wish it was not in there (directly referring to the offender as a bast*rd). However, within the context of the song, it is understandable the amount of disdain the writer has for this so-called father. In situations like this, it is difficult to remember that it is not flesh and blood you war against, but spiritual principalities that are behind the evil.

Summary: Let//Go has put together their debut EP in fine fashion. With vocal passion and brutally honest lyrics, along with a sound that is much better than you might expect for a debut independent release. I would be interested to hear the band expand on some of the content of a few of the songs, but overall a message of hope and love come through loud and clear on the release. In my opinion, the music is not breaking new ground, but does offer some variety. You can hear the potential and talent still to come out of this band, and I hope they will be in a situation were they can flourish.

RIYL: Gideon, Fit for a King, Your Memorial