The Envy Corps
I Will Write You Love Letters If You Tell Me To EP

The Envy Corps, the up and coming Iowa-based indie band, is quickly and quietly growing into an unstoppable Midwest monster too big for its britches - a point further proven by their latest EP, I Will Write You Love Letters If You Tell Me To.

They’ve essentially evolved from the brooding Brit-pop band we interviewed (for Art Scene three years ago) into their own indie pop animal, and it’s a stallion.

Opening track “Rhinemaidens” has the college radio stations all abuzz down in the corn state, with its sensational pop hooks, astute lyrics and A+ production. The shining “Story Problems” has the best melody of the album, with a full-on ensemble singing the hook with sheer dance hall wonder. And then there’s “Sylvia (The Beekeeper)”, a study on Sylvia Platt with rich, introspective lyrics that’ll have you hitting BACK on your player to hear it all again.

While the group’s previous EPs have leaned more towards Radiohead and Pedro the Lion, the Corps voice has been discerned and crystallized with Love Letters, and it’s no surprise it’s the one that’s gotten them noticed. Yet when they do make it big, I can’t wait for the reissues of Soviet Reunion and Gregory Rumes, which will surely be snatched up faster than a burning love letter.

Prior to Love Letters release, The Envy Corps has been touring and supporting John Vanderslice, The Mountain Goats and The Appleseed Cast. We’ll be sure to note when they head to Minneapolis again.

You can purchase I Will Write You Love Letters If You Tell Me To EP at The Envy Corps Web site.