British art-punk collective DEADLETTER are a live band par excellence—a frontman with charisma and attitude, a tight rhythm section around him that lays down a hypnotic groove. The band name, written in capitals, reflects the self-confidence that allows no resistance, but even those who are skeptical after the raving testimonies of previous witnesses, surrender before the end of the show (I speak from experience). With endless touring the six friends —Zac Lawrence (vocals), Sam Jones (guitar), Will King (guitar), Poppy Richler (sax), George Ullyott (bass) and Alfie Husband (drums)— have made many fans, who have long been looking forward to Hysterical Strength, their first LP. Its twelve songs breathe the energy and interconnectedness from live shows, with motorik rhythms by angular guitars, a ripping saxophone, and on-target sprechgesang reciting poetic lyrics that, like the album title, have a certain duality and dark humor in them. The sum of the parts is louder than words though.

Hysterical Strength, produced by Jim Abbiss, is out now on CD and vinyl LP through SO Recordings.

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