DEADLETTER

Originally from Leeds, Deadletter is a six-piece outfit that works in the post-punk style that is in the immediate vicinity of bands like Egyptian Blue and Opus Kink. Slightly on the jittery side, they keep their angst pretty close to the surface. The nature of the band's strong, lively grooves and Zac Lawrence's delivery suggest a bit of Gang of Four influence. Saxophonist Poppy Richler adds a special color for sure, but she also plays a crucial role in grounding the band's sound by providing an anchor to both the dual guitarists Sam Jones and Will King, and Lawrence's brooding, earthy vocals. There is a darker tone to their presentation, but it does not dominate their music, given how effectively they lay down their hooks and the creativity of their songwriting.