red sun - best buds :)
A- Tier
Sideband to Me Too, Thanks.’ Zeke McPhail, red sun plays the ever-popular combination of Midwest Emo with Emo-Pop sensibilities, literally referencing Mom Jeans with their album name. Despite trending toward the more juvenile side of 5th Wave Emo, the compositions are fun and the guitarwork is refreshing. The vocal melodies worm their way into your brain, brimming with earnestness despite not singing about anything novel. Fans of modern Emo bands like S@YP and Swiss Army Wife will have plenty to enjoy on this EP.
Heavenly Blue - We Have The Answer
A- Tier
This album is the band’s first since changing their name from Youth Novel, a devastating blow to a Midwest Screamo fan like myself. However, out of the ashes of Youth Novel comes the dense and discordant We Have The Answer. The drummer is in a frenzy at almost all times while the guitars do not relent on the noisiness. The punishing, distorted vocals complete the cacophony. Heavenly Blue also released a single as Youth Novel this year, so there’s hope that this band will continue to push themselves sonically.
Terry Green - PROVISIONAL LIVING
A- Tier
Is this album a long-lost relic of 2000s Screamo recently unearthed? No, but Terry Green gets pretty damn close. Carrying the legacy of being a sick Skramz band with a first and last name, Terry Green's passionate and aggressive songwriting is a welcome sound for those who miss the heavier side of Screamo from the 00s. For those who prefer newer Skramz, Terry Green’s crisp production values make this feel quite modern. Behold one of Canada’s true Emo gems with this album.
Senza - Celestial Body
A- Tier
Innovators of Blackened Emoviolence, Senza releases their best work since their debut LP back in 2019 with Celestial Body. The dissonant atmospheres prop up aggressive sprints into all-out anarchy with a high-register vocalist who drives the anguish home. If you’re looking for a masterfully dark take on Emoviolence, this is the EP to stream.
lemon bread - milk and honey
A- Tier
After last year’s youthful and lofi debut LP dropped from lemon bread, I had high hopes for the future of the band. Fortunately, the SoCal-based Skramerz deliver with their second LP, amping up the production values, varying the songwriting and keeping what made their last album special in the first place. More than anything, the band sounds like they’re having fun. This one’s for the fans of Fifth Wave Emo and Midwest Screamo.
