Input/Output is an EP by the band The Letterpress that was released in 2003 by Sunset Alliance.

Input/Output
EP by
Released2003
RecordedFlying Blanket Recording
GenreMath rock, Indie rock, Emo
Length24:54
LabelSunset Alliance (ALLY 024)
ProducerBob Hoag

Reception

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While the critical reception for Input/Output was mixed, those who did not love The Letterpress's sound, praised its originality in creating complex melodies without any guitars, since the band features only two basses and a drum set.

Critics at Impact Press loved the record. According to them, the "[t]wo basses work together to create rhythmically beautiful melodies." allowing The Letterpress to feature "[g]reat musicianship with an original niche."[1] Matt Shimmer at Indieville.com would also be a large proponent of the album, declaring that "this is a formidable effort from The Letterpress" which "should have no problem garnering interest from the math-rock and 'complex indie rock' communities," before giving the record a score of 85%.[2]

Stephen Carradini at Independentclauses.com perhaps best expresses the opinion of those who did not absolutely love the record. While admitting "[t]he fact that The Letterpress can make music that would pass for smooth, hypnotic, guitar-based indie rock with only two basses is a spectacular achievement," Mr. Carradini contends that "[t]here is a point, though, where we have to distinguish novelty factor from actual musical ingenuity. While this is an extremely creative idea, and the music is good, 'Input/Output' sounds like a lot of other subdued indie rock. The members have expertly imitated electric guitars without actually playing electric guitars, but they imitated a little too well."[3]

Track listing

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No.TitleLength
1."Input/Output"4:19
2."Autumn"2:02
3."Ember"2:48
4."Closer and Distant"3:48
5."Launch Sequence"4:15
6."Hanging in the Stars"3:42
7."Falling Away"4:00

References

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  1. ^ Impactpress.com Review of Input/Output retrieved 03-15-12
  2. ^ Shimmer, Matt. Indieville.com Review of Input/Output retrieved 03-15-12
  3. ^ Carradini, Stephen. Independentclauses.com Review of Input/Output, Apr. 4, 2004 retrieved 03-15-12
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