Reia Cibele - Reia Cibele
B Tier
The latest and greatest purveyor of Emoviolence in Portugal, Reia Cibele's self-titled is a force of nature, beginning with a brutal assault on the ears, though this 13-minute trek through mathy and sassy Emoviolence is actually quite varied. While each track is worth a listen, they combine to form a record that flows supremely well. Keep your eye out for this group.
Bulgarelli - Fat Animals
B Tier
Bulgarelli adds another quality thread to the grand fabric of Italian Emo with their debut LP, a strong outing that takes cues from both traditional Midwest Emo of the Second Wave and mathy Midwest Emo of the Revival. The emphasis is naturally on the guitars, which do a phenomenal job covering melody and harmony with slick dual guitar lines. The rhythm section more than holds their own, though, allowing the earnest vocals to stand out when necessary.
Clamor - Para No Olvidarte
B Tier
I can’t speak to an Emocore Revival or anything, but if there is one, these folks are leading the charge with an eclectic mix of Emocore, Post-Hardcore and even Indie influences. The native Argentinians remind me of Sinaloa in that way; they are not content to simply play 80s DC Revolution Summer worship and instead push the genre into their own unique direction. Emotional, melodic and cathartic are words used to describe a lot of Emo, but it especially describes this album.
basque - Pain Without Hope Of Healing
B Tier
Starting innocuous enough with an Indie-esque minute-and-a-half intro, basque soon introduces frenzied and dissonant Screamo, which is the bulk of this album’s sound. Despite sounding pretty sick and taking influence from more than just your standard Screamo, some production and songwriting choices leave the songs just below that explosive gear that the Emoviolence greats are able to throttle into. Despite that, it’s a worthy listen and the final song is genuinely brilliant.
mil ataris por segundo - una infinidad de flores
B Tier
Beginning life in 2022 as part of the Bedroom Skramz movement, these Venezuelan artists have crafted numerous releases, including a multitude of splits, EPs and LPs. However, this record might just be their final one. Although lofi, the music seems grounded in Slacker Rock, giving them distinctive vibes from similar artists. The hazy guitar is in constant motion, even if just by performing delicate twinkles or mathy noodling. Even with the distorted screams that pepper this album, the music itself is very chill.
