mil ataris por segundo - una infinidad de flores
B Tier
Beginning life in 2022 as part of the Bedroom Skramz movement, these Venezuelan artists have crafted numerous releases, including a multitude of splits, EPs and LPs. However, this record might just be their final one. Although lofi, the music seems grounded in Slacker Rock, giving them distinctive vibes from similar artists. The hazy guitar is in constant motion, even if just by performing delicate twinkles or mathy noodling. Even with the distorted screams that pepper this album, the music itself is very chill.
calendar year - maps and flags
C+ Tier
Seminal Bedroom Skramz Calendar Year returns with their first new material since 2022 on Maps and Flags. Truth be told, this might be the most varied and original record that Blake Mawhorter, sole member of the band, has ever released, and that includes his stint with Lights Strung Like Stars. There is not one instrument, vocal recording or synth that doesn’t sound like it’s processed through several filters. This is, of course, the album’s primary strength and its biggest weakness, par for the course for this already-oversaturated genre. I know I sound negative, but the actual compositions on offer are delightfully gloomy and I like it. I also like the audacity to cover Street Smart Cyclist on this.
poorly wrote suicide note - pwsn ii
C+ Tier
poorly wrote suicide note is one of the many Bedroom Skramz bands that popped up in the wake of YAAMC and COVID-19 (not a band lol). Despite having some momentum from their debut LP last year, the genre feels like it’s already stagnated - and hard. This album is exemplary of that, even if nothing on this record is “bad” per se. However, despite some exquisite melodies and a perfectly-depressive timbre to the guitar, there’s little to compel the listener. Still, give it a shot if you enjoy Bedroom Skramz or a more lofi approach to Screamo.
Sleeplike - nature
C+ Tier
San Marcos natives in Sleeplike debut with a hazy Midwest Screamo-inspired trip to lofi town. The passion and warmth from this band is palpable, though they haven’t quite found what makes them stand out. That’s the biggest fault with this EP - it doesn’t resonate with me on an emotional level like most of the others do, despite the technically competent performance.
