This is another fine debut album by an indie band. The difference is that Brandtson's CD is a full-length of 10 songs. The style once again is emo, but not quite the same as Dear Ephesus. Brandtson uses heavier guitars and the vocals are definitely different. Brandtson is made up of two members of Sixfeetdeep, Matt Traxler and Myk Porter, on guitar and guitar/vocals, respectively. The other two members are Jared Jolley on drums/vocals and John Sayre on bass.
The one thing that gets me about Brandtson is their lyrics. They're very personal and remind me of all that is depressing and cold about the fall and winter seasons. Maybe it's because the first song is called "January".
My favorite song, both lyrically and musically on Letterbox is "Days End". That song is so good, so sincere, and so much where I used to be that it strikes me in a deeper way than most songs do. Song for song, however, Brandtson's come up with a winner. I'm glad to see that even though Sixfeetdeep may not be together anymore, there's already a great band coming out of its ashes.
I'd really encourage everyone to purchase this CD, not only because of its great music and lyrics, but because Steadfast Records is the working man's label and Matt Traxler's doing one heckuva job.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Joe RockstrohDark and beautiful. Heavy and deep. These are just some of the words that come to mind when describing Brandtson. Hailing from Cleveland, Brandtson includes ex-Six Feet Deep member, Myk Porter, and Steadfast Records hardcore label founder, Matt Traxler. But Brandtson is not a hardcore band. Their sound is a mix of highly emotional vocals and harmonies, driving guitars, and deeply personal lyrics.…Similar sounding releases
2001The BlamedIsolated Incident
2001StavesacreCollective
1994DanzigDanzig 4
1996Six Feet DeepThe Road Less Traveled
2003Dust Eater DogsHardbiter's Inn
1998Galactic CowboysAt The End Of The DayMore from Brandtson
1999Fallen Star Collection
2000Trying to Figure Each Other Out
2004Send Us A Signal
2002Dial In Sounds
2003Death and Taxes
