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Eric Ott -- Letter Box

Eric Ott’s second album, Letter Box, is an interesting melancholic ride for the listener. Ott’s stripped down sound and style are rooted heavily in the folk tradition. The simplicity follows through all of the songs. The listener can almost hear to the beat during every string that is plucked, and every snare that is tapped. Ott also flirts with the use of distortion in a couple of songs. For example, album opener, “We All Must Rise Up”, has some light sprinklings of distortion. The upward tempo is an overall instrumental chaos. This distortion appears in and out of Letter Box, always with positive results for the listener.

The melancholic ride is perhaps best illustrated in “Bird At My Door” and “Hawkins Revenge.” “Bird At My Door” is a folksy, if sometimes lethargic song. The beat never changes, and the guitar keeps drilling out the same sad riff. The violin provides a beautiful backdrop, and gives life to what sometimes becomes a very dusty and repetitive song. “Hawkins Revenge” certainly has the melancholic flavor of “Bird At My Door”, but the song is quite eclectic.

The jewel of the album would undoubtedly be “Young Skinny Girls.” Ott sings with a welcome whimsy: “I love my skinny girl from California,who lives in the valley… And likes marijuana sometimes.” The beat of the song channels that of a marching band. the vocals are wonderful, creating a nice haunting echo throughout the song. The tone and style of the song, seem to have Ott channeling some of the early alternative rock bands from the 90’s. The feel-good musical progression of the song, with lyrics about California, channels both folk memories of San Francisco, and even some of the lighter moments of Seattle’s heyday.

Overall, Letter Box is a traditional and safe folk album. Most of the songs are slow, and most instruments are stripped down. There are of course times when Ott throws in a nice piece of distortion, and picks up the pace at certain parts. For those looking for a slightly sorrowful folk LP, take a glance at Letter Box, you won’t be disappointed.--Casey Lowrey

Q&A with the deli's Artist of the Month in February: Eric Ott

The Deli: How did the band start?

Eric Ott: I was in a few bands before going solo. My last band album was with Mercuryhat. We made a couple albums that did ok and got some nice reviews. We had so many people coming and going within the band I decided it was kind of a joke to keep the name Mercuryhat. So going solo...

Click here to read the rest of the Q&A with Eric Ott.

(Photo Credit: Michael Winters)

 

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Q&A with the deli's Artist of the Month in February: Eric Ott
by Chrissy Prisco


The Deli: How did the band start?

Eric Ott: I was in a few bands before going solo. My last band album was with Mercuryhat. We made a couple albums that did ok and got some nice reviews. We had so many people coming and going within the band I decided it was kind of a joke to keep the name Mercuryhat. So going solo, I could release anything I wanted to and have anybody play with me. It really gives me the freedom to do anything I want as a writer.

What are your biggest musical influences?

70’s Singer/Songwriters, R.E.M., Jeff Tweedy, Radiohead

What artists (local, national and/or international) are you currently listening to?

Tan Vampires, Beirut, First-Aid, Vetiver

What's the first concert that you ever attended and first album that you ever bought?

Concert: Def Leppard  Record: The Knack, Get the Knack

What do you love about New Englands music scene?

There are some great places to play in such a small area. You can cover a huge area within a few hours of driving.

What would you like to see change in the local music scene?

I would like to see the extinction of Cover Bands.

What are your plans for the upcoming year?

Promote Letter Box with small regional tours, release my full band record in June then maybe another album in the Fall. I also have a new album coming out with Nate Laban (Former Brickhouse Singer).

What was your most memorable live show?

Hackmatack Theater in 2010. It was a sold out show. I was warming up for Martin England and it was the first time I played with Cellist Kristen Miller. Pretty much the first time I played solo. It was either going to fail miserably or go really well. It went so well I decided to make a record with cello.

Is there someone who has helped your band grow through support?

Joe Simes. I would have to say without him, I would have quit a long time ago.

Is there a piece of equipment you couldn't live without and why?

My Demo station. (Mac) I write and record demos a lot! I may demo a song 15 times before I record it for release. It has helped me learn how to write. It has also helped me realize that I should not press record when drinking vodka.

Why do you read The Deli?

If I stopped writing/playing music tomorrow I would still be a happy man. There is so much great music out there. The Deli gives me the opportunity to read about and listen to some amazing bands in the area. The Deli is truly an independent resource for great indie music. Also a great resource for indie bands.

 

  
 

Eric Ott
(Photo Credit: Michael Winters)

 
 
 
 

 

Eric Ott
Letter Box
Eric Ott

 

  
 
 

 

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