Bottom Bracket - I'm So Afraid of Where

B+ Tier

One of Chicago’s true hidden gems, Bottom Bracket have been hard at work improving their sound ever since their debut EP all the way back in 2017. While I wouldn’t say they’ve perfected their sound, this album is a sizable leap forward for the band. I’m So Afraid of Anywhere is chock full of excellent Mathy riffs, heart-on-your-sleeve vocals and generally a light atmosphere, an accessible combination that many could be interested in. Although this album isn’t the defining Chicago album of the 2020s or anything, it’s an extremely solid effort from a band who is ever-improving.

Re-read - Повсякденність, драма, романтика

B Tier

Re-read’s debut LP is an ethereal blend of Midwest Emo and Dream Pop. This gem comes from Ukraine’s budding Emo scene. The lush soundscapes that compose the harmonies are punctuated by spirited mathy guitar riffs, though the dreamy dual vocals add more to harmony than melody. The songs are well composed and the individual performances are all technically excellent, but I don't quite sense their spirit in this music. Perhaps there is a language barrier, but one of the songs is written in a universal human tongue (cat noises. I don't want to explain…).