calendar year - maps and flags
C+ Tier
Seminal Bedroom Skramz Calendar Year returns with their first new material since 2022 on Maps and Flags. Truth be told, this might be the most varied and original record that Blake Mawhorter, sole member of the band, has ever released, and that includes his stint with Lights Strung Like Stars. There is not one instrument, vocal recording or synth that doesn’t sound like it’s processed through several filters. This is, of course, the album’s primary strength and its biggest weakness, par for the course for this already-oversaturated genre. I know I sound negative, but the actual compositions on offer are delightfully gloomy and I like it. I also like the audacity to cover Street Smart Cyclist on this.
Annabel - Worldviews
C+ Tier
Indie Rock / Midwest Emo hybrid Annabel returns after almost a decade of absence with a brand new album. Describing this album is difficult; it is well put-together with fun melodies, but outside of a few moments, it fails to be a memorable experience. I recommend it, but don't be surprised if it fades from your memory.
poorly wrote suicide note - pwsn ii
C+ Tier
poorly wrote suicide note is one of the many Bedroom Skramz bands that popped up in the wake of YAAMC and COVID-19 (not a band lol). Despite having some momentum from their debut LP last year, the genre feels like it’s already stagnated - and hard. This album is exemplary of that, even if nothing on this record is “bad” per se. However, despite some exquisite melodies and a perfectly-depressive timbre to the guitar, there’s little to compel the listener. Still, give it a shot if you enjoy Bedroom Skramz or a more lofi approach to Screamo.
HEAVEN THROUGH VIOLENCE - HEAVEN THROUGH VIOLENCE
C+ Tier
Masshole Emos HEAVEN THROUGH VIOLENCE introduce themselves with a tense, uneasy clean intro (Heaven) before chugging along with noisy guitar progressions and some powerful screams (Through Violence). It’s definitely good, but at only ~6 minutes long and three songs deep, it’s somewhat uninspiring and, ironically, less violent than you’d think. Still, this Bostonian quartet has the potential, even if these songs are a bit formulaic.
Sleeplike - nature
C+ Tier
San Marcos natives in Sleeplike debut with a hazy Midwest Screamo-inspired trip to lofi town. The passion and warmth from this band is palpable, though they haven’t quite found what makes them stand out. That’s the biggest fault with this EP - it doesn’t resonate with me on an emotional level like most of the others do, despite the technically competent performance.
