Review THE LETS “New Over Known”

Hamburg, Germany has a long history in rock, going back to the early days of The Beatles. The heritage of the four guys from Liverpool also swings with a young band from the German harbour metropole.

The Lets is the name of a young and hungry band, hailing from Germany’s north, and it is “New Over Known” being the title of their first album. The nine songs on the album reflect a passion for music from the 60s and 70s.

The opener is a great example of the four-piece’s craftsmanship. The soulful start shifts into an energetic part while the expressed emotions are the common thread throughout the title track. This is an excellent starter for the album and the blistering “There is No Time” is next highlight. The second track on the album is a straight-forward rock’n’roller that reminds me in parts of the earlier Status Quo. What roars out of the speakers is dynamic and hot. It is great fun listening to these tracks as they unveil their blooming beauty right away.

“Period” is another song that showcases the prowess of the The Lets. In more than six minutes, the tune shows the entire spectrum of The Lets music. The start is again calm and almost fragile. What’s in focus are every expressive vocals and there is a bit of Led Zeppelin inspiration embedded in this outstanding epic. It’s amazing how much feel the quartet presents their music and it is a pure delight listening to these nine songs.

Although having a clear musical approach, the album still offers a lot of versatility, like the very rhythm-driven “Out of My Way”. The band consistently surprises listeners with new twists, as exemplified by “Prelude for the Devil,” which sets the stage for “High Five With the Devil.” The latter blends a hard-rocking sound with an impactful blues vibe, while “Come As Long As You Stay” closes the album on a high note.

“New Over Kown” is an outstanding debut album that brilliantly blends the power of rock with the emotions, being a driving force for art and music. The Lets is a band that fans of well-done and ambitious rock music should definitely have on their radar. This is due to the music, but also the sound of the album is outstanding. The album was recorded at the Downtown Bluesclub during the pandemic, with Toma Moon at the helm, and it has a warm, organic sound that gives it the authentic spirit needed. I highly recommend “New Over Known”.