“Letter to Self“ by SPRINTS is one hell of a way to kick off the new year. This debut album from the Dublin four-piece, under the City Slang label, is a powerful cocktail of rageful intensity and poetic lyricism, displaying intelligence even in its most abrasive moments. It feels like a cathartic release for vocalist Karla Chubb, whose emotional and vocal range anchors this impressive collection of tracks.
From the first beat of the opener, “Ticking“, you know you’re in for a ride. The song builds like a ticking time bomb, with Chubb‘s low, foreboding vocals questioning self-worth against anxiety-inducing instrumentation. The heartbeat-like drums and unsettling guitar riffs mirror an emotional spiral, climaxing in a thrashing crescendo. It’s the perfect curtain-raiser for an album that delves deep into personal turmoil and societal pressures.
“Heavy“ continues the onslaught with driving rhythms and searing guitars, encapsulating a sense of frantic urgency. Chubb‘s vocals cut through the noise, embodying the struggle to stay afloat amid chaos. The relentless energy sets the tone for the emotional journey ahead.
“Cathedral“ stands out with its gothic overtones and its haunting exploration of Chubb‘s experiences as a queer woman grappling with religious guilt. The verses are a slow burn, filled with provocative imagery, before exploding into cacophonous choruses. The intensity is palpable, a testament to Chubb‘s ability to convey deep emotional pain and resilience through her powerful voice. “Are any of us happy?“
“Shaking Their Hands“ shows a softer side to Chubb‘s vocals, offering a moment of weary contemplation. The song’s post-punk vibe and softer delivery provide a brief respite from the album’s relentless pace, without losing its underlying intensity. It’s a gorgeous lament, capturing the exhaustion and frustration of navigating a world that’s often unkind and unforgiving.
The album isn’t all dark and brooding. “Adore Adore Adore“ is an irresistibly catchy track that takes a swipe at the unfair standards women in music are held to. It’s a thunderous anthem with a hook that’s impossible to shake, and Chubb‘s defiant lyrics are both empowering and deeply relatable. You can’t help but nod along as she sings, “They never called me beautiful / They only called me insane,” a line that cuts to the heart of societal judgments.
“Shadow of a Doubt“ is perhaps the most unsettling track on the album. Sparse and eerie, it details Chubb‘s struggles with suicidal thoughts, yet there’s an underlying strength in her vulnerability. The song builds slowly, with palpable tension, until it fades into a haunting silence. It’s a gut-wrenching, yet powerful, reminder of the battles many face in silence.
“Can’t Get Enough Of It” takes a more experimental route, with its mechanical chord progression echoing the vicious cycles Chubb finds herself in. The track’s dynamic shifts keep you on edge, mirroring the unpredictable nature of life’s challenges. Just when you think the album might be too heavy, “Literary Mind“ bursts in with anthemic energy. It’s witty, sarcastic, and bright. A celebration of autonomy and resilience.
“A Wreck (A Mess)” follows, offering a raw, unfiltered glimpse into moments of personal disarray. The gritty guitars and pounding drums underscore Chubb‘s candid lyrics, making it a cathartic highlight. “Up and Comer“ is another standout, a frenetic race that screams in the face of those who have patronized Chubb and her band.
The album closes with the titular track, a glorious declaration of self-acceptance and defiance. It’s a thunderous end to an album that is brutally honest and deeply personal. The journey through this record feels like a fight against internal and external demons, a raw and unflinching look at the human condition.
“Letter to Self” is a real statement of intent from the Irish 4-piece. SPRINTS have crafted a debut that is both cathartic and empowering, filled with songs that will resonate with those who have ever felt lost or undervalued. It’s a record that demands to be blasted loud and to be shared with those who need to hear its message of resilience and defiance.
In a world that often feels heavy and overwhelming, “Letter to Self” is a reminder that we can find strength in our struggles and power in our pain. SPRINTS have given us a remarkable debut that sets the bar high for 2024 and will shake you to your core and lift you simultaneously.
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