Bully Maguire - charlie calls 'im blimpy

A- Tier

Still reeking of that youthful irony that defined their debut EP last year, Bully Maguire actually mature as songwriters on their second EP in as many years. Still at five songs, charlie calls ‘im blimpy has more variety than their debut, including a gorgeous 9+ minute track toward the end. The vocals are scintillating with passion and keeps the music grounded. If you like Math Rock and Midwest Emo, you will love this band and this EP. Once they unleash a full-length record, people are going to take notice.

Wapddi - Like Our Friend Murphy

A- Tier

Infectiously fun, wildly explorative and ridiculously melodic, South Korea’s hidden Emo gem Wapddi delivers one of the freshest albums of the entire year. 5th Wave Emo fans rejoice! This release takes influence from a multitude of other genres, including Math Rock, Power Pop, Indie and Post-Rock. The superlative influences actually meld together quite naturally here, with song after song feeling instinctively in its place as the album presses on. Some of the catchiest vocal and instrumental melodies of the entire year are just casually found several places throughout each song.