Review
The Letters Organize
Dead Rhythm Machine

Nitro (2005) Shane

The Letters Organize – Dead Rhythm Machine cover artwork
The Letters Organize – Dead Rhythm Machine — Nitro, 2005

Right off the bat, you know what it's going to be. They're not the first and they definitely won't be the last. And no, they aren't Minor Threat. They are The Letters Organize, just one of the many The Shape of Punk to Come copy cats to come around long after the album did. Their new record is called Dead Rhythm Machine and was just recently released by Nitro Records.

To tell you the truth, I don't want to review this. I had the displeasure of seeing these guys the other night and it was one of the most contrived and boring shows I'd ever seen. They have a singer who is more concerned with being "sassy" than singing or staying on key, and a light show that looked ridiculous and was blatantly stolen from Scarlet, who is just as bad. It was, honestly, just what I expected. So reading this review, you'll be about as bored as I was watching them the other night and as bored as I am while listening to this.

I've made it to track five so far while writing this and a song finally stands out a bit from the others, at least during the intro, before going into the same old spastic drivel. I don't know if they are trying to cop some Blood Brothers "style" with the dual sung/screamed vocals or what, but it's getting on my nerves quite a bit. Oh and now they are using the "megaphone effect" on his vocals as if he is calling out for some sort of "revolution" that these guys are going to bring. Oh boy. To top it off, that song was called "They Call It Rock n' Roll (and Other Lies)." Christ.

I don't feel like listening to this much anymore so I am going to skip through and see what the beginning of each song sounds like. That went over well. The beginnings of the first and last song are almost a carbon copy of each other. I think that further proves my point in this review.

Here is the point: I'm sick. I'm tired. When will bands realize that this shit is just not good. The music follows the same formula for every song, they only stray away for maybe a couple measures per 4 songs, and the whole attitude needs to go out the window. If I hear one more of these bands tell me to "Get sexy," or something to that effect, I am going to start coming to shows armed. So please, for your sake, just stop.

1.5 / 10Shane • April 10, 2005

The Letters Organize – Dead Rhythm Machine cover artwork
The Letters Organize – Dead Rhythm Machine — Nitro, 2005

Related news

The Letters Organize Announce Final Show

Posted in Shows on July 28, 2009

Recently-posted album reviews

The Cascadian Divide

To the Sky
Independent (2026)

The Cascadian Divide is a Washington state based melodic skate punk band that formed during the infamous COVID lockdown. Although it started as an experiment, it soon became a passion project for the band members. The band has seen its share of line up changes over the years, but the commitment to maintaining the sound and integrity of the band … Read more

Jungle Rot

Cruel Face Of War
Unique Leader (2026)

Twelve albums and more than three decades into their career, Jungle Rot remains one of death metal's most reliable institutions. While countless bands have spent years chasing technical excess, progressive experimentation, or whatever trend happens to be dominating the underground now, the Kenosha veterans have remained committed to a simpler mission. Writing memorable riffs, locking into crushing grooves, and leaving … Read more

Overcalc

Fruits of the Decision Tree
Sleeping Giant Glossolalia (2024)

Some instrumental records create atmosphere while others create movement. Fruits of the Decision Tree feels like it creates an entire environment. It’s unstable, mechanical, strangely beautiful, and constantly in motion. The solo project of Nick Skrobisz (Multicult, The Wayward), Overcalc exists somewhere between electronic experimentation, prog-level guitar precision, ambient drift, and full on sci-fi hallucination. Trying to pin it cleanly … Read more