After a lot of uncertainty and expectation, Love Letters from Hell, the latest from Rackets and Drapes, has finally been unleashed on the world. The newest work from the infamous shockers is full of changes, and yet somehow (thankfully) manages to maintain the band's distinctive style and attitude.
The biggest and most obvious change, aside from yet another shift in the lineup, is the fact that the album is entirely electronic. Gone are the days of the guitars-percussion-keys mix. The still-stirring and sometimes chilling vocals (delivered by "Princess Kandi" formerly known as Kandy Kane) are backed by a skillful execution of darkly enjoyable synths. This may be a bit surprising for old fans at first, but after a few moments, the Rackets feel asserts itself fully, and one is lost in the music. Kandi's vocals are certainly up to the excellent standard he set on the band's previous releases. There is quite a bit more of actual singing on this disc, which is an interesting change of pace, but Kandi still knows how to unleash a good scream; "Distortion" being a great example of this.
All this being said, Love Letters deserves to be highly recommended. However it is by no means for everyone. Rackets has always been arguably the most controversial band in Christian music, and the response to the album so far has shown that this fact has not changed. The band still boldly delves into areas many other artists would not touch with any sized pole, and Kandi's knack for writing from the perspective of those he's apparently criticizing will certainly color many an opinion.
This relates to my only criticism of the album, which is simply that it lacks the variety of content the other albums have had. With the exception of a small number of songs (namely "God Bless the Children of the Damned" and "Halloween (Bring out Your Dead)"), the album largely deals with society's rampant, excessive, and at times deviant love of sex. "No Place like Hell" will undoubtedly be cause enough for many to avoid buying the disc, while tunes like the not-so explicit "Valentine" are bound to make more than a few uncomfortable. It is also noteworthy to mention that the band's handling of the content is what gives the record the distinction of being the first Christian album I know of to sport a parental advisory.
But, warning in hand, I am nevertheless compelled to say that Love Letters is a spectacular work, and possibly Rackets' best. Any and all fans of the band simply must pick it up. Anyone else who's curious enough and possessed of enough guts is hereby cautiously advised to give it a shot.
Similar sounding releases
1997AutovoiceA Living Death
2000Temple of the TimesRequiem For The Lost Children
2000ParadoxNew Devotion
1999The November CommandmentA Motorised Mind
1992MortalLusis
1999The AwakeningEthereal Menace
