September Stories, Unopened Letter

September Stories

Unopened Letter

Reviewed by: Tiffany Taylor

After signing to InVogue Records, September Stories is releasing their first EP Unopened Letter. Within the first 30 seconds prepare to be completely captivated. This Ohio based two-piece, Andrew Baughman and Michael Neal, combines spoken word with an orchestral backdrop to bring its fans an emotional yet gorgeous seven-song story. September Stories is very new but nonetheless talented. This EP goes to prove that they can conquer a couple of things: Spoken word music, creating a unique sound that blends genres with elegance and grace, and being able to open to a large audience of people. I urge you as you keep reading to turn on Unopened Letter and let it transform your soul.

“Dear Love…”, the opening line from the title track “Unopened Letter” immediately fills the ears. From the start, listeners can tell that emotion is going to pour out and fill their walls with sheer feeling. What makes September Stories stand out from the beginning is the musical element they provide. Acoustic guitar strings enter in as a solo element and soon begin to accompany voice and it is beautiful. About halfway through the track the guitar falls slowly and builds back up to striking vocals almost yelling “And I know that you are the last person that I should want to see…” continuing to build up, continuing to tug at the heartstrings of anyone listening. The song finishes out with singing a catchy and rhythmic hook, repeating over and over, then suddenly you are wondering how five minutes went so fast.

This track follows with six more. “Detached” creeps in with a striking piano melody, spoken lyrics, and singing within the first minute- talk about mind blowing. I can just about guarantee if you are familiar with heartbreak or emotional turmoil that any song on this EP will speak to your mind and allow you to relate. About halfway through the EP, “Obsession” clicks on. Soft piano notes drop like raindrops on a window and then in comes words pulsating, and suddenly a background voice chimes in and there is singing. It makes listeners wonder how can a group of two achieve such complex beauty.

Readers may be wondering, “Is there anything wrong with this EP?” and the answer is: Nothing worth mentioning. Honestly when it seems things may be sounding a bit repetitive in sound or production, “Let Love Bleed” comes on. A total back and forth with Baughman’s voice and an unknown woman’s. It provides such a contrasting vibe in spoken word music because it allows the listener to hear both sides to a conflicting feeling.

Overall if anyone reading thinks that this EP is worth the listen or worth the money, it is. I urge people to find an enjoyment for not only September Stories, but for the genre they represent. They have successfully achieved a unique sound to a type of music that has already been done well. As the EP ends with an “Outro”, I’ll also leave with this: Unopened Letter is a collection of stories that deserve to be heard and appreciated.

Rating: Iconic