We launched Score A/V nearly 10 years ago (yes, it’s already been a decade…), and ever since, we’ve consistently filled our pages with musical discoveries and confirmations of all kinds—especially in the first couple of years.
And yet, we constantly miss out on countless releases, which is precisely why we introduced these recurring “catch-up sessions” on the site—dedicated to revisiting overlooked gems and notable releases from across the musical spectrum.
New England has long been the heartland of emotionally potent, no-holds-barred hardcore—and now, Love Letter emerges as its newest torchbearer. Featuring seasoned members of Defeater and Verse, this formidable five-piece dives headfirst into the legacy of raw, introspective, and unrelenting music that has defined the region for decades.
Their debut LP, ‘Everyone Wants Something Beautiful’, is an unflinching exploration of generational trauma, self-awareness, and emotional inheritance. It’s an album that doesn’t just ask questions—it feels them, embodying a collective journey through vulnerability, friendship, and two decades of shared musical evolution. Every chord, every lyric is deliberate, driven by a need for authenticity and expression.
Guitarist Jay Maas (Defeater), known for producing landmark records by Bane, Title Fight, Counterparts, and others at his renowned Getaway Recordings studio, steps back into the spotlight with a band that represents both a personal and musical homecoming. “Having produced records for two decades now, I’ve worked with thousands of artists. This was my chance to bring together some of my favorite people who also happen to be extremely talented musicians,” Maas shares.
Joining Jay Maas are fellow Defeater co-founder Andrew Reitz on drums, guitarist Matthew Spence, engineer/bassist Dave Alcan, and the searing, soul-baring vocals of Quinn Murphy (Verse). Together, they craft a sound that’s as melodic as it is punishing—intensely personal, yet universally resonant.
The album’s first single, “Misanthropic Holiday or Vacation,” serves as both warning and reckoning. It dissects the performative demands of modern life, juxtaposing perseverance with reluctant resignation. The track builds toward a visceral climax that feels equal parts possession and release—leaving the listener breathless and unable to stay still.
With music that defies genre walls—equal parts hardcore-punk, post-hardcore, and screamo—and a reputation for high-energy live shows, Love Letter doesn’t just demand attention; they command it. There’s an unmistakable freedom in their songwriting, and a clear mission: to push the boundaries of heavy, heartfelt music into bold and uncompromising new terrain.
Somewhere around the corner between Glassjaw, Drug Church, Gouge Away, HAVE HEART, Modern Life Is War and Touche Amore, Love Letter is not just one more band. It’s a statement, a catharsis, and a promise that the fire in New England hardcore is still burning bright. Available now via Iodine Recordings, home of Drowningman, Horsewhip, Quicksand or The Casket Lottery..
