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.
Stay Inside - Ferried Away
#9 | A Tier
Stay Inside eschews the darker Post-Hardcore tones of their previous work in favor of brighter Pop-Punk ones on Ferried Away to magnificent results. This is the perfect Summer Emo album to vibe to on the beach while wallowing over a breakup. The horns add depth to the melodies but also contribute to the isolated vibes. For fans of their older work, there are still some moody and atmospheric tracks, placed perfectly within the album’s immaculate flow. You need to stop reading and start listening! Now!
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.
Strelitzia - Winter
A Tier
Arizona Emo band Strelitzia formed nearly a decade ago in 2015 and have only released one EP back in 2017. The promise displayed in those 20 minutes is fulfilled on their debut album Winter, a monumental effort of Midwest Emo, Math Rock, Post-Rock and Indie, among other influences. Refreshing and varied song structures give this album a unique identity among the other Emo contemporaries. Though they are prone to superfluous instrumentation, the breadth of their sounds and depth of their songwriting prevents it from being utter wankery.
