Kerosene Heights - Leaving

🥇#1 | S Tier

Following up on their first full-length release in 2023, Kerosene Heights plowed forward with as much momentum as any band in 2024, releasing this EP and a split with Swiss Army Wife. Leaving is a masterclass high-energy Emo, incorporating the drive of Pop-Punk with the maturity and catharsis of Midwest Emo. At only four songs, each track stands out and is brilliantly written, saying as much as they did in 2023 with about ⅓ the time. Kerosene Heights is well on their way to being one of the most consistently incredible Emo bands of this era.

Scumma Do Mar - Gamba Tesa

#6 | A+ Tier

Gamba Tesa is an energetic jaunt through twenty minutes of Mathy Emo filled with twinkly riffs, odd time signatures and passionate vocals. Though this description could fit hundreds of records in this genre, native Neapolitans Scumma do Mar inject their music with that little something that keeps you engaged and makes you put this album on repeat. This LP will keep you on your toes, even if it isn’t treading original ground.

Heart to Gold - Free Help

#8 | A Tier

Moody Emo veterans H2G finally unlock their melodic potential by adding in a heaping teaspoon of radiant Emo-Pop into the mix. With one of the best vocalists in Emo today throwing caution to the wind, the vocals are far and away the best feature of this record, but the lighter direction the band took helps to highlight the bombastic singing to a higher degree. While the instrumental virtuosity isn't a priority, the band's performance is consistent and superb, delivering possibly the finest addition to this underrated band’s discography.

Oolong - Oolong

#10 | A Tier

Oft cited as one of the premier bands of the Weedmo movement, Oolong's self-titled release does little to shake the stigma of juvenility that comes with the label. However, this nearly hour-long survey of Midwest Emo styles showcases the band moving beyond the hyper Math Rock influences of their first release. Of course, there are still tons of amazing riffs, raw and gritty production choices and fun vocal melodies, but the band shows remarkable musical growth and appreciation for the history of the genre.

your arms are my cocoon - death of a rabbit

A Tier

In 2020, YAAMC controversially released their s/t EP, singlehandedly establishing Bedroom Skramz as the genre of the times. Beloved by many, it remains unlistenable for a huge swath of Emo fans. Fast forward four years into the future and YAAMC has released their first proper full-length record. While Bedroom Skramz hasn’t really evolved since it was introduced in 2020, Tyler Odum took the last four years to mature his sound. death of a rabbit is fragile and cathartic with many quiet instruments like acoustic guitars and soft synths juxtaposed against harsher synths and desperate screams. Listening to this album feels like prying into someone’s diary, a document of their private thoughts. And while it almost feels wrong, the near 45-minute runtime evaporates with each listen. Definitely listen to this whether you liked the 2020 s/t or not.