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| Recontextualizing Third Wave Emo Part 4: Future
Much like the Emo genre itself, finishing this series off is cathartic and bittersweet. I’ve put months and months of my spare time and effort into this project and I’m very proud of how it turned out. If even one person discovered something new that they now love through these articles, my goal has been reached. Before we continue, I want to thank everyone for all the kind words that have been said about this series. I love this genre and I really want everyone to know that all the waves deserve to be loved, including the criminally misunderstood Third Wave. | | 1 |  | Owls
Owls
*Not part of list*
The first section that we’ll cover today is Emo Proto-Revival. Now, just what in the Hell is that? To be honest, I don’t actually know. It’s a term thrown around to describe pre-Emo Revival bands that have a similar sound, a great influence on the Revival itself, feature Revival band members in older projects, or otherwise just sound like they could be Emo Revival albums yet predate them. There’s naturally going to be some crossover with the Carrying the Second Wave section, given their goals of emulating the OG Midwest Emo sound. However, Proto-Revival usually has something more “modern” to set it apart, whether in production or in genre integrations. Math Rock in particular was a popular ingredient in the concoction for many of these bands, leading to the popularity of Math Rock influence in Fourth Wave Emo.
Parsing Through Proto-Revival to Bridge the Gap | | 2 |  | Colossal
Brave the Elements
Admittedly, I could have put Colossal’s LP in this section as well and perhaps should have. However, I wanted to highlight just how unique their 2004 album was, even among other Proto-Revival releases. Their debut EP, on the other hand, is a bit more in line with what you’d imagine a Proto-Revival release would sound like: gorgeous guitar twinkles, fluctuating volume dynamics, strong trumpet presence and overall less Jazzy than their later work. However you characterize this band’s sound, you owe it to yourself as a fan of Emo to give them a listen, even if I’d be lying by saying there was any “Proto-Revival” when the genre’s dirt was still fresh. | | 3 |  | Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A Start
And Nothing is #1
How can I possibly categorize this release? Though the band was technically formed at the tail-end of the Second Wave, they did release a few songs pre-2003. Perhaps this means I should have put them in Part 1 of this series, either as a Second Wave Band or one strongly influenced by that sound. Regardless, Up Up Down Down is commonly (as common as this obscure band can be) referred to as a Proto-Revival sound and a small but profound influence on upcoming Emo Revivalists. Primitive twinkles can be found in the guitar playing while all of the good ol’ Midwest Emo elements are here. Uncommon time signatures and switches can also be heard by the discerning ear.
In addition to the pre-Third Wave releases, this band also came out with several EPs during this time period. Perhaps the best one would be released four years later… | | 4 |  | Tamiroff
Bittersweet and Strange
Surprised to see them here? Faithful followers of this series will note that Tamiroff came out with their Demo in 2004, a Midwest Screamo affair. However, this band’s extremely limited discography is a microcosm of the influence of that particular subgenre as they found themselves coming out with an early Proto-Revival EP! Admittedly, I don’t know which record actually released first, but I’m willing to believe it was their demo.
There's the odd 2000s Post-Hardcore section here and there between the crashes and waves of Math Rock-laden Midwest Emo. This release accentuates the positives of traditional Midwest Emo, previews the future of the genre with twinkly Math Rock influences and showcases the Post-Hardcore tendencies that would lead into Polar Bear Club. | | 5 |  | Special Noise
Special Noise
A noisy and dissonant take on Proto-Revival Emo, Special Noise enters with a guitarist who has actually experimented with his guitar's lower three strings, utilizing cool Mathy riffs without relying on the genre’s ever-present twinkles. The basement aesthetics are strong with this release, but that says nothing of each song’s individual quality. The band would come out with another EP in 2008 before calling it quits. | | 6 |  | Everybell and Whistle
Everybody Wrestle
Recorded at an ill Nate Kinsella's commune warehouse space in Chicago with a makeshift drum kit and a guitar passed through two different amps to act as a bass, this record exemplifies the DIY spirit of Midwest Emo, especially during the early Revival and Proto-Revival period. The production values reflect the DIY recording approach to a tee, but that says nothing of the excellent musical quality found within the record.
Feeding off 90s Midwest Emo as much as Kinsella projects like Joan of Arc, the jangly riffs, volume dynamics and Hardcore kid-clean vocals define this 20+ minute aural jaunt. | | 7 |  | decembers architects
, apiary ennui and curiosas. The brew shakes
Forget ambition, what Nate Kinsella and Co were attempting with this album is nothing short of visionary, even if the towering heights they aimed for weren’t quite reached. Although this album was released in 2005, the LP was the final recording of this late 90s Midwest Emo project from 2001. Naturally, the guitar tones are quite gritty, matching the aesthetic of late Second Wave Emo. However, the experimentation here goes beyond what most Emo bands would call “experimentation,” including instruments like the turntable!
The Math Rock twinkles are there as expected, juxtaposed by harsh guitars, weird noises and interesting song structures. Even though this may not technically be Proto-Revival, it will be appreciated by anyone into that sound. | | 8 |  | saleontomorrow
Demo
Only three tracks in length, this release further cements the 00s British Emo scene as one of the most underrated. Saleontomorrow’s demo is slightly rough around the edges, but the cool Mathy song structures, impressive lead guitar riffs and careless vocals make for a breezy listen. Make sure you check out their compilation of unfinished songs as well. | | 9 |  | Cowboys Aren't Indians
Cowboys Aren't Indians
Diamonds in the rough from Utah, the horribly named Cowboys Aren't Indians played chill yet active music in the Math Rock vein with Midwest Emo as a guide. The music tends to move by at a brisk pace thanks to the masterful and quirky guitar playing, the muted explosiveness of the drummer and the frankness of the vocalist.
With lofi production values and an emphasis on vocal-less sections of music, there almost seems to be a Post-Rock influence tucked away in there somewhere. After some years of inactivity, the band would release another EP in 2010. It seems the band was just at the wrong place at the wrong time to gain much notoriety. | | 10 |  | Polara (BR)
Tempestade Bipolar
Tonally, the band is reminiscent of Colossal, which seems to make sense as they were active at the same time, but they were separated by over 5,000 miles (almost 8,500 km) on different hemispheres! This could not have been possible without drawing from the same well of influence in old school Emo.
Polara executes quite differently from Colossal, keeping the riffs simpler and injecting a dose of lighthearted Indie into the concoction. The occasional hint of 90s Post-Hardcore pops up to give the music some weight. These Brazilians definitely did Emo proud with this release. | | 11 |  | Oh My God Elephant
Oh My God Elephant
Had oh my god elephant released this EP in 2010 with slightly better production values, you’d be bombarded with this release on every hidden gem of the Emo Revival list out there. Instead, we received this masterful yet subdued Midwest Emo EP in 2006 with almost zero attention given. Although Emo was about as popular as it ever would be in 2006, basement-style Midwest Emo like this was completely out of vogue.
The band impressively fuses the Indie-leaning Emo sound of the late 90s with soft, mathy guitar riffs that keep the otherwise relatively slow music fairly lively. Whiny vocals and somewhat absurdist lyrics may turn off some listeners, but Emo Revival fans will greatly enjoy this effort. | | 12 |  | The One Up Downstairs
The One Up Downstairs
Ok, calling this Proto-Revival would be disingenuous, even though it seemingly fits the bill with a 2006 release date. However, this is a Mike Kinsella project that predates even American Football! Proto-Proto Revival? I don't know, but this is the best place to put this for now.
These three tracks were recorded in 1997 but didn't see the light of day until almost a decade later. Though reminiscent of AF, the songs are slightly more upbeat in comparison, especially Rememories. If you like jazzier Emo or just want to check this intriguing release for its novelty, it's worth at least one spin. | | 13 |  | Street Smart Cyclist
Demo 2006!
*Hidden Gem*
SSC's legacy upon Emo history will never be appreciated enough. With only eight songs to their name spread across less than two years of activity, band members would go on to create Snowing and Boy Problems, two extremely influential Revival bands in their own right.
On this first three-song EP, the band shows off their immense musical talents with Hardcore-leaning Midwest Emo mixed with scathing Math Rock sensibilities. Production values are intentionally harsh, adding to the noisiness and musical chaos. The guitar and rhythm instruments are played with equal parts passion and complexity. | | 14 |  | Pirouette
Sometimes Sad Isn't Funny
Unexpectedly catchy, free-flowing and noodly, Pirouette’s debut EP displays the Proto-Revival sound exactly like you’d expect it. The guitarist, of course, is one of the great highlights of this release, utilizing a proficient mix of fun chord progressions and jangly guitar riffs. Although the vocal performance isn’t the cleanest, the vocal melodies in these songs are excellent and will worm their way into your ears and your heart.
The band was only around between 2006-2008, just in time to miss their signature sound exploding in the scene. They would come out with two more EPs, both excellent in their own right, and an almost-acoustic LP. | | 15 |  | Ryerose
Ryerose
Unexpectedly catchy, free-flowing and noodly, Pirouette’s debut EP displays the Proto-Revival sound exactly like you’d expect it. The guitarist, of course, is one of the great highlights of this release, utilizing a proficient mix of fun chord progressions and jangly guitar riffs. Although the vocal performance isn’t the cleanest, the vocal melodies in these songs are excellent and will worm their way into your ears and your heart.
The band was only around between 2006-2008, just in time to miss their signature sound exploding in the scene. They would come out with two more EPs, both excellent in their own right, and an almost-acoustic LP. | | 16 |  | Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A Start
Worst Band Name Ever
Unexpectedly catchy, free-flowing and noodly, Pirouette’s debut EP displays the Proto-Revival sound exactly like you’d expect it. The guitarist, of course, is one of the great highlights of this release, utilizing a proficient mix of fun chord progressions and jangly guitar riffs. Although the vocal performance isn’t the cleanest, the vocal melodies in these songs are excellent and will worm their way into your ears and your heart.
The band was only around between 2006-2008, just in time to miss their signature sound exploding in the scene. They would come out with two more EPs, both excellent in their own right, and an almost-acoustic LP. | | 17 |  | Marquette
Waxing/Waning EP
After releasing a so-so EP in 2006, true Midwest Emo band Marquette would release this EP a year later and it is as serene as it is rough around the edges. Utilizing decent but definitely DIY production techniques, Waxing / Waning is filled to the brim with some of the coolest guitar playing in this entire wave. Although the vocal performance is more than serviceable, the sheer focus on extended instrumental passages, led by near-virtuosic dual guitar lines, showcases the true star of the show.
The band would fold after this release, but from the ashes, a couple of the ex-bandmates would start the underrated Emo Revival band Penpal. Though similar in style, the Slowcore and American Football influence was far more pronounced. | | 18 |  | AVAST!
Faultlines
Avast! was a Scottish Emo band that only existed for a short time in the mid aughts. However, we can hear the infamous British Indie influence on this, no matter how hard they tried to hide it; unlike Dartz!, TTNG and the like, Avast!’s Faultlines harken back to more classic Midwest Emo, even if it’s with a slightly more modern approach. This is the band’s sole release, but I’d recommend it to anyone who is interested in the description. | | 19 |  | Look Mexico
This Is Animal Music
I don't know what kind of Animals they have in Florida, but it sounds remarkably close to some Chicagoland Emos from the mid to late 90s. Look Mexico’s debut album has Kinsella fingerprints all over it, from the twinkly riffs to that very specific late 90s Indie Rock x Midwest Emo timbre. The vocals are of course of a whiny nature, though all is produced and mastered quite well.
Unlike many other Proto-Revival artists on this list, Look Mexico continued releasing music until 2016, the end of the Revival. Unfortunately, they pivoted to a more Indie-leaning sound while eschewing the Emo influence. Had their music remained American Football-inspired, this band could be legendary in the scene. | | 20 |  | Meet Me in St. Louis
Variations on Swing
If I’m being honest, this isn’t actually Emo Proto-Revival. In reality, this is a calculated mix of Post-Hardcore, Math Rock and Midwest Emo with ample Kinsella influences. Look, Proto-Revival wasn’t really a scene, it was just a bunch of disconnected bands taking influence from the same people at the same time, hoping to make awesome music. It just so happened that this led to the Emo Revival, but I think Meet Me in St. Louis exhibits enough Emo sensibilities on this record to make it on this list - much like fellow UK Post-Hardcore band Million Dead.
Ambitious guitar riffs, song structures, tempo shifts and time signature changes are sprawled across the varied musical landscapes found on this LP. The Midwest Emo elements help weave together the more elaborate and lofty techniques and influences here. Even if it doesn’t fit in with this section exactly, it’s more than worth a listen. | | 21 |  | Street Smart Cyclist
Lint Traps
SSC employs a similar songwriting style to their first EP, though these three tracks are all acoustic and feature significantly less percussion. Galm's singing is still as off-kilter as ever, though reduced in aggression. It's unclear if these songs were always intended to be acoustic or if they were previewing a more traditional song to be released later, such as We Lack Science. An offbeat experimental release for sure, it should be heard at least once. | | 22 |  | Oh My God Elephant
Fancy Cookies
*Hidden Gem*
Prior to this album’s release, the band temporarily changed their name to Rainow Tornado, and boy does this album feel like one. From production to songwriting to instrumental virtuosity, this album trumps their 2006 EP in just about every way (save for personal taste) while somehow being significantly more obscure, quite the feat considering how unpopular their s/t EP is. Lengthy instrumental passages litter this record, putting you into a near-meditative state. This peacefulness is juxtaposed with the silliest, most irrational lyrical moments in Emo.
This album could very well be the logical extreme to the American Football sound, given the unremarkable but confessional vocals, spirited Math Rock riffs and overall lackadaisical pace. The band does well to step out from merely being a Kinsella clone, though, and this album is their magnum opus. | | 23 |  | Pennines
Demo - Feb 08
From the UK Emo scene that brought bands like TTNG and saleontomorrow, Pennines is a Mathy Midwest Emo band that isn’t afraid to get playful with their songs. This demo is only two songs but shows the tremendous promise that the band possessed with the Indie guitar riffs, mathy twinkles and signature British Indie singing voice. If you like the Math Pop-influenced Midwest Emo scene of mid-late 00s UK, check these guys out! They have some later-released demos and a split with TTNG. | | 24 |  | Good Luck
Into Lake Griffy
Into Lake Griffy is the expert result of merging hyper-energetic Pop-Punk with Math-infused Indie-leaning Midwest Emo. The first thing you'll notice is the neverending guitar riffage and blistering chord progressions, followed up by some of the catchiest vocals this side of the Third Wave. The drummer and bassist both manage to stand out distinctly in their own right, essentially acting as the backbone for the Midwest Emo volume elements.
At 13 songs and almost 40 minutes of length, this album will breeze by and no two songs will sound too similar. The band would release one more album in 2011, though it was more restrained than this record. | | 25 |  | Little Lungs
Hoist Me Up
Cute, catchy and mixed with obvious Pop-Punk influence, this fun and breezy EP features infectious female vocals, driving yet straightforward melodies and riffs, and the odd Math Rock element hanging around here and there. What else is there to say? At 12 minutes, this one deserves at least one listen. | | 26 |  | Gentlemen (DC)
Demo
Featuring a few members of The Summer We Went West, Gentlemen’s sole release is a demo from 2008. This is Midwest Emo in the classic vein with a few Proto-Revival trappings. With nine songs and a total runtime of less than 20 minutes, this demo is worth a listen. Gentlemen had the potential to be a really cool Emo Revival band, but they stopped just short of the goal line. | | 27 |  | It's an Icicle
L'Chaim
Emos out of Fresno, whose music scene was on fire during the late 2000s, It’s an Icicle emerged from the burgeoning Mathy Midwest Emo movement, citing Algernon Cadwallader, other Kinsella projects and Math Rock bands like Giraffes? Giraffes! as their primary inspiration. With dingey production, constant riffing and complete formlessness, the band’s debut LP is a sign of the changing times where DIY Emo artists were forming the core sounds of the Emo Revival.
Before becoming a three-piece, the band released a couple of EPs as a duo. Though not quite as good as this album, they’re both super solid Emo releases in their own right. | | 28 |  | Street Smart Cyclist
Final Mixes
*Hidden Gem*
The final two songs of the band’s discography are an evolution of the tracks from their demo; the boys supercharge their Midwest Emo / Math Rock hybrid, sounding like hardcore kids playing freestyle Jazz. The riffs are twinklier and more intricate, the song structures are looser. Had the band stuck around, who knows how good their output could have been.
Proto-Revival to the core, they, directly and indirectly, shaped the upcoming Revival while having a unique sound all their own. The best way to hear the band's stuff is to listen to their Discography, released in a neat package in 2014. | | 29 |  | Bad Times Ending
Bad Times Ending
Extraordinarily obscure Proto-Revival, I can only find one record of their existence and it’s the YouTube video where you can hear it. Not much to say at only 17 minutes, but you’ll immediately notice the twinkling of the guitar, the sincerity of the vocals and the pretty good grasp on volume dynamics. | | 30 |  | Instruments (Make Music)
Instruments (Make Music)
A band name so unsearchable that I am only 70% sure it even came out in 2008, the burgeoning UK Midwest Emo scene produces more Mathy goodness with this EP. It's a little quirky and littered with instrumental-only sections, but it fits in well with other similar releases from this time and place. If you like cool Math Rock riffs, look no further. | | 31 |  | Snowing
Fuck Your Emotional Bullshit
*Not part of list*
We have now reached our final section of this part and this series. We opened up the very first part by discussing Second Wave Emo artists who were still releasing Second Wave-inspired Emo in the Third Wave. Naturally, I will bookend this entire project by talking about Fourth Wave Emo artists who got their start sometime before 2009. Many of Fourth Wave Emo’s earliest classic albums actually came out in 2008 in particular, a landmark year for the genre. After reviewing everything else in this whole series, these releases are sort of the denouement of Third Wave Emo, showing how the underground / basement / DIY scenes all over the world kept its spirit alive. We’ve finally arrived at the finish line:
The Flames of Fourth Wave Emo Begin With a Spark | | 32 |  | Algernon Cadwallader
Demo
Following up on projects like Halfway to Holland and Ryerose, Peter Helmis and Joe Reinhart reunite for a more traditional take on Midwest Emo. Their first four-song demo was released in 2006, featuring what can only be described as Kinsella worship. It’s been said to death, but Algernon exhibits copious amounts of Cap’n Jazz influence in their music, from the reckless abandon of the vocals and lyrics to the jangly, twinkly riffs. Although the band’s best and most memorable work was yet to come, this EP left the door ajar for the Emo Revival to later bust down. | | 33 |  | TTNG
Hippy Jam fest
TTNG actually released their first piece of music in 2003, a demo that showcased their mathy preclivities, though harsher than their future releases. Even this, their first proper EP, is a bit more rugged than their more Math-Pop-laden work later on, although the evolution into the band they’d become was well underway. Generous use of volume dynamics, irregular time signature usage, cool riffs and saidboi vibes are all here. The band would go on to be one of the most important UK Emo / Math Rock bands of all time, and we’ll see why later on in this list. | | 34 |  | Empire! Empire! (I Was a Lonely Estate)
When The Sea Became A Giant
The first outing for Emo Revival Juggernauts Empire! Empire!, the band’s legacy for crafting biting, poignant Midwest Emo begins with the opening salvo on the first track of this record. The bittersweet magnificence that defines the band’s sound is created with a heartrending guitar tone, emotionally raw vocals, abreactive lyrics and awe-inspiring song builds. While building off the legends of the genre such as Mineral, Empire! injects their own energy into their music, and it’s readily apparent even with their first EP.
The band would become legends in the genre with a cavalcade of releases, many of which being splits with fellow legends and hidden gems of the genre. Does this EP touch What It Takes to Move Forward? I mean, can anything? That said, the building blocks were there from the start. | | 35 |  | By Surprise
Four On Seven In Eight
Despite leaving their indelible mark on the Emo Revival with a 2009 LP split with Hightide Hotel, the band is still a nightmare to Google. As such, this Indie-laden Midwest Emo release has very little information. There seems to be conflicting reports on this release date, but I personally believe the 2007 date.
With raw production, reckless yet catchy vocals, refreshing chord progressions and at less than 10 minutes, this is an easy listen to future underrated Revivalists. | | 36 |  | Weatherbox
American Art
*Hidden Gem*
After releasing two proof-of-concept EPs, Weatherbox's debut LP was released in 2007. Whether you consider this band Proto-Revival, Emo Revival or something else, it doesn't really matter. Warren's tortured voice, his world-weary lyrics and the deceptive complexity of the music provide for one Hell of a release from these San Diego natives.
At 50 minutes, this album is actually quite an easy listen. The variety of songs on offer, as well as the general flow of the record, transports the listener into the world of American Art seamlessly. Weatherbox would continue releasing music until 2014, right at the height of the Revival. Fortunately, they just released a new single this year! | | 37 |  | Annabel
Now That We're Alive
Humble beginnings for under-the-radar Emo Revival outfit Annabel, their demo EP Now That We’re Alive showed all the promise that this band possessed, even in their early days. A nice little variety of sounds punctuate this ultimately laid back and inoffensive release. I’d recommend giving their discography a shot if you enjoy this demo. | | 38 |  | A Great Big Pile of Leaves
The Fiery Works
Slidey, bendy, mathy and just plain fun, A Great Big Pile of Leaves’ debut EP showcases all of the band’s strengths in a neat sub-20-minute package. AGBPOL managed to craft a slice of Emo all their own with their defining guitar techniques, catchy vocal melodies and syncopated rhythms. While somewhat poppy at times, they seem to be capitalizing more on Math-Pop than Emo-Pop.
The band would go on to release another EP before the Third Wave was up - and are still around to this day! | | 39 |  | Everyone Everywhere
Pants
The debut EP from Philly-natives in Everyone Everywhere, the band’s signature approach to writing music is on full display with an airy combination Emo, Indie Rock, Post-Rock and Math Rock. The band would go on to release two criminally-underrated Emo Revival albums in the early 2010s, expanding off of this already-impressive debut. | | 40 |  | The Brave Little Abacus
Demo?
Monumental doesn’t even begin to cover what Brave Little Abacus’ contribution to the Emo scene truly means. Solidly an Emo Revival band, Brave Little Abacus’ ultra-experimental guide to creating Emo music is still influencing artists today, being the basis for much of the Fifth Wave. Chiptunes, strange samples, weird noises, all of this is mixed in with unfiltered vocal hysteria. Literally, I cannot describe to you what this sounds like, you have to hear it for yourself.
This debut EP is somehow more unhinged and more straightforward than their future work, both at the same time. Don’t know what I mean? Give this legendary band a spin to see for yourself. | | 41 |  | Transit
This Will Not Define Us
Stalwarts of the Soft Grunge movement during Emo’s Fourth Wave, Transit began their career with a strong Emo / Pop-Punk hybrid. Although some variation of those genres would be a part of their primary playstyle for the duration of their run, nothing would quite sound like this record. Quick lead melodies and straightforward rhythms drive the record forward. | | 42 |  | TTNG
This Town Needs Guns
*Top Release*
TTNG, then known as This Town Needs Guns, released a self-titled compilation album in early 2008 with songs from their full-length split with Cats and Cats and Cats and other unreleased tracks. With just eight songs and without a designed sense of flow, this somehow manages to be the best TTNG record ever. This album includes a wonderful variety, from acoustic tracks to Math Pop jaunts to heavier Emo sections.
If you are a fan of Math Rock’s association with Midwest Emo, this album might just be the pinnacle of that sound. The twinkly riffs are impossibly clean and the subtly mathy song structures add sophistication and technicality to the project. This stands as possibly the best and most important British Emo releases of all time. | | 43 |  | A Great Big Pile of Leaves
The Fiery Works II
While not utilizing quite as many guitar tricks as the band's debut EP, there is an admirable variety of songs on this short record. In particular, they embrace their inner Math-Pop band a ton. It's personal preference whether you prefer part 1 or part 2, but they both tickle that same spot in your brain that says, “Neat!”
Despite these respectable Emo releases, the band's best work was yet to come. Their sound was an injection of carelessness and vitality to the Emo Revival. | | 44 |  | Algernon Cadwallader
Some Kind Of Cadwallader
*Top Release*
Some will say that the Emo Revival officially began with the release of this album, and I have no basis on which to argue. However, for the purposes of this series, I’m including everything from the year 2008, so here it comes at the tail end of Third Wave Emo! What more can I say about this record that hasn’t been recounted tirelessly by other Emo fans? Many will point to popular songs like Casual Discussion in a Dome or the title track being clones of the Cap’n Jazz sound, but if you listen to the entire album, you actually get an exceptionally solid and wonderfully varied work of art.
Algernon’s whimsical take on Emo consists of playful vocals, neverending guitar jangles, daring song structures and the perfect album flow. Surprising elements of Post-Rock can be found on this record, especially with a near-14 minute closing track. The music speaks directly to the yearning one feels deep inside for life to be simpler again. | | 45 |  | La Dispute
Here, Hear.
Following up on a forgotten debut EP that was entirely entrenched in a raw Post-Hardcore sound, La Dispute would pivot directions by the time their debut LP was released. Before that, the first of their Here, Hear EPs dropped, stripping away the frantic aggression and going into near-acoustic mode.
The vocals are exclusively even-keeled poetic spoken word while the rest of the band seemed content to create subdued mood music to accompany the artistic stories. | | 46 |  | Balance and Composure
I Just Want To Be Pure
Before becoming a Soft Grunge powerhouse during Emo’s Fourth Wave, Balance & Composure (with an ampersand) released a demo EP, fusing the predominant sounds of the Second Wave ala Braid or Mineral and the Third Wave ala Taking Back Sunday and Brand New. The results are quite a fresh mix that shows how influential all Emo music has been over the years, even the dreaded 2000s era. This EP predates the band’s use of Post-Hardcore and occasional hint of Shoegaze, so it is somewhat simpler and more straightforward.
Hightide Hotel - Porch Luck (8/14/2008)
Like several other prominent Emo Revival bands, Hightide Hotel put out a small proof of concept EP, including one song that would later be used for their debut LP. What the band lacked in tightness they made up for in pure desire to create Basement Emo and all that it entails. Although not the band’s best release, it’s a solid roadmap to their early, unpolished sound while providing a true classic in the s/t track. | | 47 |  | Tigers Jaw
Tigers Jaw
*Top Release*
Progenitors to the Soft-Grunge movement that includes bands like Joyce Manor, Basement and Modern Baseball, Tigers Jaw's s/t is a masterful exploration of the intersection between Emo, Pop-Punk and Indie Rock. Their first album actually released in 2006, but was more of a subdued Indie and Slacker Rock record. Nonetheless, the band rerecorded a few of the tracks on that album to fit more closely with their new sound.
The vocals are often double-tracked or have tons of harmony, giving the otherwise chill and unassuming vocal melodies some richness and depth. And trust me, these words will get stuck in your head. There’s just a sincerity to the music, lying somewhere within the rhythm-oriented chord progressions and simple lead guitar melodies. This remains the band’s finest accomplishment. | | 48 |  | TTNG
Animals
Extracting everything they could from both Midwest Emo and Math Rock, Animals is an ambitious concept album that pushes these genre classifications to the limit. Each song represents a different animal, so each song has a different flow and timbre. They capture the playfulness of a rabbit, the majesty of an Elk and the quiet nature of a Zebra, among others.
If this album had any sense of flow, it would be one of the top releases in this project. Regardless, this is a milestone Math Rock record and an integral part of the early Emo Revival. | | 49 |  | Arrows
Modern Art & Politics
Criminally underrated Emos from Australia, Arrows debut album is perhaps their best work, seamlessly blending Midwest Emo with hints of Post-Rock, though done with a more modern Emo framework in mind. This album sounds like a slightly restrained Empire! Empire! release, perhaps only stopping short in terms of grandiosity. However, at 55 minutes and with calculated switches in volume dynamics, Arrows does a more than admirable job in that department.
The band would continue releasing albums until 2012, whereupon they’d appropriately been signed to Count Your Lucky Stars. However, after a promising split with Empire!, the band would cease to exist. | | 50 |  | La Dispute
Somewhere at the Bottom of the River Between Vega and Altair
*Top Release*
La Dispute's status as an Emo band is hotly disputed, but it doesn’t really matter to me either way. This band utilizes dynamic volume changes, has passionate vocals with cathartic lyrics and is tied to the Hardcore scene. And even though this album is equally indebted to Post-Hardcore, this album came out at the right time to help push Emo back to the glory days.
Spoken words and shouting are the methods Dreyer uses to punch the listener with raw emotion, heavily reinforced by the technical and varied instrumental accompaniment. Forget Emo - this is a must-hear album for anyone into heavier music. | | 51 |  | La Dispute
Here, Hear. II
Releasing the very same day as their acclaimed debut LP, the second volume in this EP series ups the ante from the first. The stories on offer are strong and are told in dramatic prose fashion and the tracks are quite memorable, thanks to the more varied instrumental approach. From Jazz to Post-Rock, this band's influences seem infinite.
A year later, they’d release the final Here, Hear in the miniseries. Fifteen years after that, they finally released another Here, Hear EP. They’re all excellent. Please check them out. | | 52 |  | Glocca Morra
Museum Mouth
Legendary Twinkledaddies Glocca Morra formed in 2008 and managed to come out with a demo EP of sorts before the year had ended! Fortunately for us, this means more awesome Emo music to cover! Now, what’s a Twinkledaddy? Simple, really! Bands like Algernon and TTNG definitely fit, along with Revival bands like Snowing and The World Is a Beautiful Place, the latter of which coined the term jokingly.
With contemporaries like that, how could this not be awesome? Well it is, even if it’s only three proper songs and an acoustic song. Nonetheless, the band’s seemingly endless potential is showcased as soon as the first track. Despite the twinkling, this EP is a bit rough around the edges, giving it a tad of Punk cred (along with the singer’s gnarly voice). | | 53 |  | Shapes Like Dinosaurs
Jurassic Geometry
Somewhat obscure Emo Revivalists Shapes Like Dinosaurs gave the burgeoning Emo Revival movement an early Christmas present with their debut LP, effortlessly encapsulating that Midwest Emo / Math Rock fusion that was about to blow up in the underground music scene. Despite hyperactive guitar and basslines, the tempo is quite passive, aided by the low-volume drum recording and simple vocal delivery. If you like some of the Proto-Revival releases on this list, you’ll probably really enjoy this one. | | 54 |  | CSTVT
I Know What a Lion Is
Before releasing their landmark 2009 LP Summer Fences, three of the four first tracks on the album were previewed in this promotional demo. Castavet, later known as CSTVT, utilized Post-Rock extensively, shaping soundscapes and pulling great emotion from the listener. Midwest Emo is the meat and Post-Rock is the potato, the two genres complement each other perfectly. Although these tracks are amazing, they are only a sample of what was to come. | |
EmoEmporium
06.12.24 | And that's it everyone, I'm so thankful I never have to read another comment again...
SIKE
I love this series too much. I'm going to be coming out with a list of bonus Emo releases that I either missed or forgot to include for one reason or the other. Many of these won’t have much unless I felt the spirit move me. I hope you enjoy this series. :) | jrlikestodance
06.12.24 | I'm no emo expert but man your work on this series is truly amazing. Major props. 31 fuckin rules and someone from my local scene in FL played in Glocca Morra which is cool | EmoEmporium
06.12.24 | Thanks! 31 is sort of a placeholder to talk about the next section, but it comes right off the heels of Street Smart Cyclist, so I felt it was appropriate. Thank you for the kind words! | jrlikestodance
06.12.24 | You're welcome, keep up the good work. Also want to rec As Friends Rust if you are not familiar. Another FL band at the intersection of emo and melodic hc | someone
06.13.24 | yayy another episode
random numbers generator says... 42
and a misclick also said 20, so i guess i'll check that too | auberginedreams
06.13.24 | what wave are we in now I’m actually curious lol | EmoEmporium
06.13.24 | @someone enjoy!
@auberginedreams We're (probably) in the late Fifth Wave. IMO, this wave started out in 2018 and really developed an identity during COVID, whereupon the Bedroom Pop movement invaded Emo. | Futures
06.13.24 | the last gasp of good emo that kept it's og midwest identity before revival ruined it lol. but again great work as always. ttng is a better mathy midwest emo album than american football and one of my all time favs.
as a rec girlfriends is toeing the line between this and revival but it's incredible regardless. check that out if you haven't. | EmoEmporium
06.14.24 | @Futures Thanks so much! I love Girlfriends and would love to have included them, but they came out with music in 2009, right after the parameters of this list. That said, they absolutely fit in with these bands. |
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