Sidekick Kato - 1st Class Chump | Screamo Hall of Fame Class of 1996 Nominee

Release Information:

1996
Johann’s Face Records
Des Plaines, IL (Midwest)
Runtime: 39:33
Tracks: 10

Band Members:

Tom Anderson (Vocals)
Franky Hryniewicz (Guitar)
Xaq (Guitar)
Joe Campagna (Bass)
Jay Dean (Drums)

Genres, Influences and Characteristics:

Midwest Emo, Screamo, Post-Hardcore, Melodic, Dynamic, Raw, Autumnal

Musical Analysis:

Sidekick Kato employs that early Post-Hardcore-influenced Midwest Emo sound, encapsulated by the first few seconds of the intro track: a loud, brazen chord progression transitions into a delicate, twinkly arpeggio with melodramatic crooning. This formula is quite reminiscent of Midwest Emo contemporaries like Texas Is The Reason, though these Illinois folks iterate even further by adding in some bold, cacophonous Screamo instrumentation and some emotionally resonant screams to the equation. I’d say the bulk of the music here leans Midwest Emo, however.

Historical Analysis:

To my knowledge, this is the very first attempt at weaving Midwest Emo with Screamo ever attempted, so kudos for that accomplishment right off the bat. Because Midwest Screamo wasn’t even an obscure subgenre of Emo yet and wouldn’t be for over a decade, this forward-thinking curiosity is an undeniable part of Screamo Canon, despite its minimal direct influence on the genre.

Lyrical Analysis:

*Note that because this is an old, DIY and relatively minor release in the grand scheme of Emo and Screamo history, I cannot locate lyrics for any of these songs. If lyrics can be dug out, I will reevaluate the lyrical analysis.*