Dead Rhythm Machine is anything but an assembly of dead rhythms. Rather, the debut full-length from Atlanta’s THE LETTERS ORGANIZE is one white-hot piece of scorched earth that takes the gutsy, distortion-laden punk rock of THE BRONX and tricks it out with the technical percussive prowess of San Diego post-hardcore legends, DRIVE LIKE JEHU, and the modern, groovin’ stylings of VAUX or the lesser-known SADAHARU. In many ways, Dead Rhythm Machine is a test of juxtaposition, pitting an organic, but extremely well-produced sound against the band’s barely controllable guitar/drum/vocal attack. Lead vocalist Brent Jay dispenses deafening howls amid hesitantly sung lyrics, and the effect is something explosive, and addictive – like watching a bear terrorize a campground on the local news. But Jay’s exhuberance plays second fiddle on Dead Rhythm Machine to Casey Maxwell’s furious guitar playing, and the automatic drumming of Donnie Adkinson. Adkinson shines the loudest on the band’s stand-out fifth track, “They Call It Rock n Roll (and Other Lies)” which serves up a marching-band style beat that propels a call-and-response vocal part that would make the fellas in REFUSED smile. THE LETTERS ORGANIZE reach similar heights on the ninth tune, “Perfection?” which just oozes with primal rage, and would have no problem setting the stage for your average, dingy, punk rock venue riot. Lyrically, THE LETTERS ORGANIZE have plenty of interesting things to say in its songs, with most themes revolving around societal reflection. “I Want I Want,” directs the emotions of youth that crave immediate gratification with no respect to regret or fear. “They Call It Rock n Roll,” asks the telling questions, “What can you say? When it’s all been said before / What can you write? When nothings right anymore / How do you stand out? Whey so many are standing up / How do you raise the stakes? When the dangerous aren’t dangerous and daring.” There’s not a weak lyrical moment on Dead Rhythm Machine, and for that matter, there’s nothing that even closely resembles a chorus with forced harmonies! In all, Dead Rhythm Machine is an impressive debut full-length, and its 31 minutes of music moves surprisingly swift across one’s stereo. A handful of stand-out tunes help punctuate through the musically unstable environment, and that alone should increase the playing value of this release as time goes on (and a few are instant playlist material). Lastly, not only do I recommend the tunes, but the Rob Dobi designed artwork is very cool looking, and builds upon the band’s distinctive character. Although it’s early in the game, I wouldn’t be surprised to find Dead Rhythm Machine sneak its way onto some “Best of 2005″ lists by year’s end.

Nitro

www.nitrorecords.com