If high-school-me ever heard that I now consider myself a fan of screamo, I think he might punch me in the face. But it’s undeniable—I love me some skramz. The late nineties / early aughts were a goldmine for this aggressive, abrasive, and brutally honest genre, and to my severe delight, it appears to be making a comeback. One such band braving the sound is Sweden’s 44.caliberloveletter, whose new Demo ’18 not only celebrates the insanity of skramz, but dares to bring it into a modern world.
Demo ’18 is viciously raw, oozing with live energy and unbridled potential. The hallmark chaos of screamo is certainly present as the band blasts through quick riffs and hectic changes. The dual vocals intertwine like two lovers fighting, each voice bashing against the other in an off-kilter rhythm. The drums crash beneath melodious basslines and a blaring guitar, the band blurring the line between beautiful and brutal. Yet perhaps the clearest part of this record is the intensity—44.caliberloverletter lay into their songs, yanking each tone, drum hit, and word from the core of their hearts as if it is their final act.
For only three short and quick recordings, the songs that make up this record are jam-packed with dynamics and versatility. Each piece holds up its own distinct sound, flaunting a unique approach to 44.caliber’s signature style. “messenger dove” whirls around a bright upbeat melody, “rotten teeth” smashes vicious chugs and spastic blast beats against a crooning coda, and “unplugged from reality” sulks on a somber yet driving chord progression. Additionally, there is virtually no repetition whatsoever in any song—each tune stacks lyrics and riffs one after the other, barely leaving us time to ruminate on the past before bursting into the future.
One of the things I most appreciate about 44.caliberloveletter’s Demo ’18 is how gut-wrenchingly honest it is. These three tunes sound like they were battered into the tiny mic on someone’s iPhone, and as such, there is absolutely no pretense, no “studio magic,” no second guesses. These songs are not impressions of 44.caliberloveletter, but pictures of them—the exact same way they would sound if they were playing ten feet from you in someone’s basement, thrashing about in the throes of their pained and powerful sound. And that’s one hell of a first impression to make.
If 44.caliberloveletter’s demo is truly a demonstration of their capabilities, then I can’t wait to see where their road leads. These tunes are so honest, so tastefully chaotic, and too easy to spin over and over. If you’re looking for some new music that is as gritty as it is gorgeous, look no further than this demo, because it’s packed to the brim with punch and potential, and well worth your time.
My Top Track: “rotten teeth”
You can find more about 44.caliberloveletter on their Facebook page. Then head over to their Bandcamp and snag a copy of Demo ’18 for yourself.
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