A Rise (And Fall) of a Dilapidated Home - I'm Calling All the Lightes Out Now
B+ Tier
While this did release in 2023, it was on December 30th. Seeing as I made an exception for Chinese Football last year and already reviewed their EP Quit Running, featuring songs not used on this album. A Rise (And Fall) produces this fragile sound so delicate that the songs could fall apart at any moment. This one man project resembles Second Wave Midwest Emo as interpreted by a select few bands like BLA and Empire! Empire!, which is to say cathartic Midwest Emo with modern sensibilities. Infused with Post-Rock, this album is personal, confessional and serene, so please don’t miss out on this depressing musical adventure.
Be Safe - Unwell
B+ Tier
Much is said about the Emo Revival’s inability to replicate the late 90s/early 00s style of Midwest Emo, except for some bands like Empire! Empire!. However, Be Safe’s debut album isn’t content to be influenced by acts like Benton Falls and Penfold, they actively evolve that hyper specific era of music. Kinsella-esque guitar twinkles are abundant on this album but integrated in a way that doesn’t distract the listener with absurd Math Rock components. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, I’d highly recommend checking it out.
Sweet Pill - Starchild
B+ Tier
A wonderful collection of mathy Midwest Emo songs with incredibly catchy vocals, Sweet Pill give us more goodness with this EP. If you’ve heard their debut LP, this is more of the same, which is never a bad thing with this band. In particular, the guitar is played with the perfect Midwest Emo tone. The vocal performance by Zayna Youssef is transcendent, particularly on the title track.
Carly Cosgrove - The Cleanest of Houses Are Empty
B+ Tier
Carly Cosgrove cements themselves as one of the best and most consistent bands of the Fifth Wave with their sophomore LP. Tons of catchy melodies are played over spirited Midwest Emo on pretty much each song, though some tracks stand out more than others. Still, the album has a remarkable flow that makes listening through the entire 30+ minute runtime easy and fun. This one is for old fans and new.
Frat Mouse - Flea House
B+ Tier
Frat Mouse has been one of the most interesting and consistent bands in the entire wave, and Flea House is no exception. The youngin’s are youngin’, which almost always makes for great Emo. The folksier elements of the band’s sound have been toned down on this album, meaning this release is more straight Emo. If you’re a fan of any of the band’s other work, this album is exactly what you need.