Manchester’s ‘Letters To Fiesta’ are about to issue their début EP – ‘Aphorism’ – which fuses together a remarkable concoction of ideas to harvest ‘sit up and take notice’ epic hyper-realistic power pop that has already drawn comparisons to: Yeasayer, Depeche Mode and Tegan & Sara; Their distinctly dramatic British sound also warrants Kate Bush as a regular reference check.
The beauty of LTF is their ability to assimilate all their ideas to construct such grand, disparate and enigmatic pop songs with so many ideas bursting out to be noticed – meaning that ‘Aphorism’ is hard to pigeon-hole. There is something in it for everyone – from high pop to new wave to post punk to industrial.
We had a early listen. Here’s what we thought:
The recording starts with ‘Tears Apart’ – this ethereally swirls upon us through a mist of tinkle-bells and gentle sighs. The tribal drums and the sensual female voice remind us of Kate Bush – but the sticky-backed insecurities also remind us of Björk. The pounding rhythm is accentuated by the smallest rattle of a tambourine. The vocals ascend to a much higher altar of sacrifice than you can possibly imagine. To merge with little flashes of light from the stars – twinkling in a darkened sky.
‘Tetration’ ( it’s an ‘iterated exponentiation’ if you ever wanted to know) has an astonishingly clear vocal that is splayed out across yellowing chords, bongo beats and carillon-like chimes. This song is sleek and angular. It seems to sprawl out across the accompaniments in layers, like a teenager lounging idly on a duvet.
‘Swan girl you are like the stars’ sings Anna-Louisa with stark precision on ‘Swan Girl.’ After the veil-like structure of the sounds, the rhythm starts to grow (Daniel Houghton on drums) – and the ‘Get a hold’ chorus starts to become serious. It reminded us of Florence + the Machine although more spooky. More annihilating.
Loss filled ‘Infinity Call’ is even more penetrating than ‘ Swan Girl’ – if anything can be. Then ‘Stay Young’ begins. This is a limping blues-filled hymn. With a lyrical touch to it. And a gothic-rockiness about it. It’s as if Lene Lovich decided to sing a song written by Jim Steinman. The vocals have a haunting – almost Victorian – sadness to them “Lonely child surrender your plans / you will stay young always.” Yes, it is about the pain of loss . But you have to wonder if it is about the destruction of innocence or the surrender of life. Judge for yourself.
‘Elected’ is very different. A see-through eulogy. A wave of dark plumage introduces the angst -filled male voice. Clouds of synth sympathetically start to create sticky webs. These hold the spoken words in place – and create a painfully morbid under-current.
This amazing EP concludes with the dainty composition ‘Vampires’. This song starts like a fresh morning tide – just blown – slightly crested – and swaying gently. The vocal is pure and delicious. The doom-filled rhythm is bravely pounded. The line: “Your (sic) half a life – that’s what you are” is the key to this song. It seems to be about dealing with failure – and finding new beginnings. It is a beauty filled cavern of echoing concerns, cold aqueous fragments and bat-winged presence. Explore it. But beware. It could send a cold shiver down your spine.
This is an incredibly accomplished mini- album. Although, at times, it feels as cold as winter – and it is often very disturbing – it is never dull . And it is always accessible.
Anna-Louisa sings like an ice-angel. Her voice is as clear as space-diamonds and as shiny as the bell of the Angelus. This is an album full of mystical moments and meditative textures. With surprisingly celestial melodies. It’s a real joy.
– © Neil_Mach September 2013 –
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/letterstofiesta
Tour Dates
October 9th – Nation Of Shop Keepers – Leeds – Supports TBC
October 12th – Soup Kitchen – Manchester – Support – Symphonic Pictures – Songs For Walter
October 16th – The Cluny – Newcastle – Support – Symphonic Pictures
October 17th – Art House – Glasgow- Support TBC
October 24th – Noting Hill Arts Club – London – Support Televox
RAW RAMP 