| Input/Output | |
| Type: | EP |
| Artist: | The Letterpress |
| Cover: | LetterPressInputOutput.jpg |
| Released: | 2003 |
| Recorded: | Flying Blanket Recording |
| Genre: | Math rock, Indie rock, Emo |
| Length: | 24:54 |
| Label: | Sunset Alliance (ALLY 024) |
| Producer: | Bob Hoag |
Input/Output is an EP by the band The Letterpress that was released in 2003 by Sunset Alliance.
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]