Republic of Letters EP Review
Spirit or a Ghost Marks an Impressive Debut from This San Diego Band
Mixing the best of Snow Patrol and Idlewild, Republic of Letters release their EP Spirit or a Ghost and show that they can do sweeping indie rock equal to their peers.
- Genre: Indie / rock / alternative
- Chris Venti (vocals / guitar), Nick Venti (drums), Martin Niwinski (bass), Adrian Thorstensen (guitar)
- Sounds like: Snow Patrol, Idlewild, Big Country
- Home: San Diego, US
- Republic Of Letters
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 – 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.
