Influences of the band cover a wide genre of music; however some of their main influences include Radiohead, Joy Division, Pink Floyd, Jeff Buckley, Sonic Youth, The Pixies, Mogwai, My Bloody Valentine, Galaxie 500, Movietone, Muse, The Cure and much more.
Formed in the summer of 2004, they found their current line-up early in 2005. Within recent months they have been writing and performing increasingly better and more forward thinking music, and the band has been going from strength to strength.
Throughout 2006 the band spent time gigging relentlessly at venues all over the Midlands area, and during that time provided the band with the chance to support Howling Bells twice, the 1990s and the Tiny Dancers and play at ‘Oxjam Festival’ in London.
The band have also been featured three times on BBC Hereford and Worcester’s ‘The Friday Session’, several times on online radio stations in the ‘Monochrome Museum Global Network’, and on MTV ‘Ones to Watch’ (which was shown repeatedly throughout April and May on MTV2).
In recent months the band have been recording their debut album ‘Complications’) with their humble and very portable home studio equipment; the band finally released the album on Friday 13th April.
Dead Letter Office are currently working on writing and recording their second album. This is due to be finished Autumn 2009.
Dead Letter Office Are:
Benjamin Hiorns (Benj) - Lead vocals/ guitarist
Jevon Davies - Bass/ Backing vocals
James Atkins - Guitar
Harry Bourne - Drums/Backing vocals
Ben Allen (Beef) - Keyboards
Unfortunately, after many years loyal service, Ben Foxall left the band. James Atkins stepped in to guitar duties.
In the late part of 2009 Dead Letter Office decided to disband.
Scarlett
Dead Letter Office Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Will my heart collapse if it's full of holes.
They say it's in the drugs. But if it makes you happy.
We'll live in a cardboard box, if needs be.
She keeps a jewel box of tears in the pocket near her heart.
Born on mornings breath. In the sadness of the dark.
Two cripples dancing, by the moonlight.
Celebrate your skin, in a dirty fight.
A world without tears, where no-one smiles.
Frozen in concrete, you drift for miles.
She keeps a jewel box of tears in the pocket near her heart.
Born on mornings breath, in the sadness of the dark.
You sold your soul.
You found another way out.
You swam for shore.
The price you put on yourself, love.
You're not alone
The lyrics to Dead Letter Office's song "Scarlett" delve into the themes of love, heartbreak, and self-worth. In the opening lines, the singer describes building a fortress within their lover's "velvet folds," possibly referring to the safety and comfort they once found with their partner. However, they worry that their heart may collapse from the many holes left from the pain and heartbreak they have experienced.
The following lines, "They say it's in the drugs. But if it makes you happy. We'll live in a cardboard box, if needs be," suggest that the singer may have turned to drugs or other means to cope with their pain, but they would be willing to give up everything to make their partner happy. The mention of "cardboard box" could represent the idea that material possessions hold no value when compared to love.
The next verse focuses on the female character mentioned earlier, who keeps a "jewel box of tears" close to her heart, indicating that she has experienced her own pain and heartbreak. The line "Born on mornings breath, in the sadness of the dark" further emphasizes the melancholic nature of her emotions. The chorus then describes "two cripples dancing" who celebrate their scars and imperfections, possibly indicating that the singer has found solace in their brokenness.
Overall, "Scarlett" is a poignant reflection on love and loss, as well as the lengths people will go to hold onto relationships that may have already become toxic.
Line by Line Meaning
I built myself a fortress in your velvet folds.
I tried to protect my heart by building emotional walls around it within your soft embrace.
Will my heart collapse if it's full of holes.
I wonder if my heart can bear the wear and tear of heartbreak and emotional vulnerability.
They say it's in the drugs. But if it makes you happy.
People may blame drugs for feeling happy, but I'll do whatever it takes to find happiness.
We'll live in a cardboard box, if needs be.
I'm willing to endure tough times and live with nothing, as long as I have you in my life.
She keeps a jewel box of tears in the pocket near her heart.
The girl carries her sorrow and emotions close to her heart, like a precious box of jewels.
Born on mornings breath. In the sadness of the dark.
Her tears and sadness are born at the end of the night, right before the dawn.
Two cripples dancing, by the moonlight.
Two people with their own scars and flaws, who only have each other, are dancing together under the moonlight.
Celebrate your skin, in a dirty fight.
Embrace your imperfections, even if it means fighting dirty against those who try to put you down.
A world without tears, where no-one smiles.
A bleak and sorrowful world where happiness has ceased to exist.
Frozen in concrete, you drift for miles.
Stuck in place, but still moving forward, like being frozen in cement and drifting aimlessly.
You sold your soul.
You gave up your values or virtues for personal gain or pleasure.
You found another way out.
You discovered a route or method to escape the difficulties or problems in your life.
You swam for shore.
You fought through challenges and swam hard to reach safety and security.
The price you put on yourself, love.
The value you place on yourself is reflected in your choices and actions, especially when it comes to love and relationships.
You're not alone.
Even if you feel isolated or lonely, there are people who care and are willing to connect with you.
Contributed by Audrey M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.