The Rasmus; dead like their letters? (Dead Letters - The Rasmus)

Member Name: chriswynne16

Product:	Dead Letters - The Rasmus
Date:	27/08/05 (985 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Very imaginative album, lots of flare and originality

Disadvantages: Gets pretty boring, very quickly . . .

The Rasmus are:

Lauri Ylonen (vocals)
Pauli Rantasalmi (Guitars)
Eero Heinomen (Bass)
Aki Hakala (Drums)

(Now I want you to be able 2 recite those back to yourself at the end of this review, with correct spellings… what? Oh come on, they're not THAT hard!?)

Anyway, this album - "Dead Letters" marked the beginning of the Rasmus' influence on the British music industry, although unaware to many (I know it was to me before I had liked this band enough to research them further), the Rasmus truly began their music career, way back in 1996, when they released their first album ever "Peep" in Finland. This was to be the first of a string of five albums, in quick succession up until 2001 where they took a break to begin work on their worldwide debut album - "Dead Letters" The Finnish boys became stars all over Finland instantly, as they jumped at their chance to fill the high expectation of new generation rock music. More albums were to come, and the Rasmus just became even more famous, to the point where they received their first Finnish Grammy award in the category of best new act.

Anyway, back to this review… so why did I just tell you all of that? To be honest I think that in this country these boys are not given the true appreciation which they deserve, and did indeed receive back in their homeland. Now, I am writing this review a good two years after this album was first released in the UK, and when indeed I first purchased it, a good two years ago. Back then, as many of my friends know, I was rather a fan, to say the least, ok I was completely obsessed. The fact which after having published this review, I'm sure will be reinforced by many.

If I am completely honest, at this precise time, I am not a great fan of the Rasmus, but this does not mean to say that they are not very talented individuals, capable of creating highly innovative and original pieces of music. I have therefore decided to write this review, because I think it is the case that after the Rasmus introduction to the UK, they have been clouded by false judgement, based on them and not their music, and the common feeling that "if you like the Rasmus you have bad taste in music." (Maybe it was Lauri's hair…)
The exact opinion by which I would like to uphold strong arguments against. So, I mentioned I wasn't a great fan anymore, but if their music is so good, why not? Well… for a long time I was a good fan and appreciated their music no end, but now two years on, I'm afraid there is just too much other raw talent emerging for me truly appreciate them like I used to. Another reason could be that I probably listened to it back then more than the rest of my music collection put together, thus making it somewhat less appealing.

With that said, I would like to write this review based on my feelings of this band two years ago, so that anyone at the moment who is experiencing the Rasmus for the first time, or is considering buying this album based on their views on either of the singles "In the Shadows" or "Guilty," will be able to see an accurate description of their music, with complete justice done to the talent that these boys do indeed possess.

Before I go on to discuss all of the tracks in detail and identifying their individual merits, I would like to point out some general points about the album itself which did appeal to me. The inlay is immaculately set out, with full lyrics for each of the songs for those of you who like to have a sing a long… I think it would also be beneficial to provide some background history to the album "Dead Letters" itself. In the words of the lead singer himself, "Each song is a letter to somebody. It could be an apology, confession or cry out for help" On the back of the album inlay, we are also given the quote "A dead letter is a letter that has never been delivered because the person to whom it was written cannot be found, and it also cannot be returned to the person who wrote it." When I first noticed this, it made me think a lot, and kind of gave the album a dark, mysterious feeling to it. Some other people who I know however, have argued that it is a bit cheesy, and slightly out of place in the album. But that is up to you to decide.

The album has a very dark tone to it, each song showing this in a slightly different way. Eero who plays the bass guitar has said "The album is darker, moodier and dreamier than anything we have done before."

The tracks then… the standard version of this album has 10 great songs on it, and if you pay the little bit extra for the UK Bonus Version, there are an extra 3.

"First Day Of My Life" is a truly great opener to the album, allowing Lauri's vocals to really shine through. The chorus is very catchy, with hard guitar riffs and a catchy beat.
8/10

"In The Shadows" is next, with its unmistakable intro and instant appeal. I don't think I need to say much more about this song, if you havn't heard it already, I really urge you to, its one of those songs that goes down in history
10/10

"Still Standing" is classic rock from the Rasmus, it starts very slowly, with smooth and calming lyrics. It really gives you a warm feeling inside, especially as the song enters into the chorus. One of my personal favourites.
9/10

"In My Life" is easily the most powerful song on the album, one with the power to make your hairs stand on end as you are taken on a rocky journey through the fast beats of the chorus. The meaning and lyrics of the song also contribute to the effect it has, the feelings of power and control grip the listener. Absolutely great stuff.
10/10

"Time to Burn" is one of the slower tracks on the album, but still got some strong guitar riffs, providing the Rasmus sounding music which we love. The chorus, is again very moving.
8/10

"Guilty" was released as the second single, and for me is a great song, with perfectly balanced sounds and very striking beats and rhythm. A real classic.
9/10

"Not like the other girls" is another one of the slower tracks on this album, but still got the power, with Lauri's strong vocal sounds, to make you fall in love with it. Give it a chance to get going though is my advice
7/10

"The One I Love" is just fantastic. I think the best crafted chorus and song sequence I have seen on the album. I Just love it.
10/10

"Back In The Picture" is a true rock classic, and I just love the beginning, its absolutely fantastic, setting you up for what's to come immediately. It's one of those songs which really get you moving, and at times makes you want to get up and dance!
10/10

"Funeral Song" is the last song on the album if you have not purchased the bonus track version of the album. For me, although it is very slow and does not have much of what I would usually look for in a Rasmus song, it is still great. It brings out the sensitive side of these boys, and shows us that they are not all just heavy rock, and loud noise. "I died in my dreams, reaching out for your hand" (Aww)
8/10

"F-f-f-falling" is G-g-g-great! A fantastic rock melody, which was previously released in Finland as a single on one of their previous albums. It was a real success over there, and for me, is a great success on this album
10/10

"If You Ever" is not in my opinion one of the highlights of the album, and is infact one of the weaker links, nevertheless it is still good, just not as good as some of the other material we have on this album.
6/10

"What ever" is the final track, and is a really great one to finish with. Very fast chorus, and as usual great guitar riffs!

Having analysed all the tracks individually I would just like too add a bit about some of the Rasmus' other works. Back in 2003 when I was a real fan of this band, I had totally exhausted all potential the album ever had to lighten my mood, or even make me tap my foot. I was hungry for more, and with the latest album having only just been released it would be a long time before I would be equipped with any new material. So, I purchased one of their previous albums. "Into" the last album released in Finland is really great, but as this isn't a review on that album, I wont go into much detail on it, only to say that if you are bored of Dead Letters, and are hungry for more like I was, do check this out, it has the originality and flare of Dead Letters, just slightly less dark and gothic.

Anyway, back to the present, two years on, and we are finally within reaching distance of some new Rasmus material, and based on my past experiences, I might just be tempted to check it out. The new single "no fear" will be released on August 29th of this year as the first single of the forthcoming album "Hide From The Sun" which is Scheduled for a worldwide release on September 12.

A quick price guide for you:

The Rasmus - Dead Letters (Album) is available from many online stores for around £10 and slightly more in the shops. (Although having said that, as it is a fairly old album, in some record shops you may find it reduced...)

Summary: Great range of songs, can get boring if over-listened to... Well worth buying.