2023 Emo LP / EP Tier List and Ranking
Hey! I've listened to a lot of new Emo this year and I wanted to give my thoughts in a Tier List format. With about 75 releases that I've listened to front-to-back multiple times, I think this is a pretty comprehensive list.
S Tier is ranked, other tiers aren't ranked. Let me know if I missed out on something good this year! |
| 1 |  | Loma Prieta
Last
SS Tier
Loma Prieta is a prolific Bay Area Skramz band whose 15 year span as one of the most dominant forces in Screamo is well documented. Ominously titled Last, this album is a natural progression for a band whose style includes the brazenly melodic forces of SF Screamo and an extremely hardcore distorted wall of sound, especially in the vocalist’s merciless screaming. The LP is the band’s culmination as songwriters, taking influence equally from Last City and I.V., two of their most acclaimed efforts to create a true genre classic that will be looked at fondly for years to come. |
| 2 |  | Jeromes Dream
The Gray In Between
S Tier
Every bit as noisy, chaotic and bleak as their revered first LP, yet pushing forward in fresh directions, Jeromes Dream hits it out of the park with this release. The Gray In Between is the crowning achievement of a band looking to bookend their legacy with truly classic releases. If you like Screamo / Skramz at all, you owe it to yourself to hear this. |
| 3 |  | There Will Be Fireworks
Summer Moon
After a decade since their last record, There Will Be Fireworks triumphantly returns with 10 new years of life’s misery under their belts. In line with their previous releases, TWBF blend Emo, Post-Rock, Indie Rock and Indie Folk into a wholly original package, somehow vastly different than their past work, but also an evolution of their established sound. Each of the staggering 13 tracks offers a tailor-made aural experience, yet they add up to be better than the sum of its parts with impeccable flow. |
| 4 |  | ostraca
Disaster
Merging a classic American Screamo sound with atmospheric elements of Post-Metal proves to be a winning formula for Ostraca, especially so on this album. Though perhaps this formula doesn’t amount to the most creatively original songs ever put to record, the dense wall of sounds, the distortion, the anger, it’s all there in spades. If you like Skramz, do not miss out on this album. |
| 5 |  | Kerosene Heights
Southeast of Somewhere
Kerosene Heights put themselves at the forefront of the Emo Revival Revival with a really refreshing take, incorporating elements of Midwest Emo, Post-Hardcore and Pop Punk to craft this highly personal masterpiece. Each individual track is meticulously put together, yet it's apparent that they also serve a specific function within the flow of the album. Overall, it’s possibly one of the most solid Emo releases of the 2020s. |
| 6 |  | Spring 2005
Ellie Kemper
c_h_point constructs a poignant, atmospheric, experimental album in the Emogaze vein with this record, all in under 30 minutes. If you’re only looking for traditional Emo, you’ll find very little of that here. Instead, with themes of nature and disruption guiding his hypnotizing vocals while exploring elements of various genres, Ellie Kemper is one of the most emotional releases of the year. |
| 7 |  | Home Is Where
The Whaler
Neutral Milk Hotelier? Perhaps, but Home is Where finally unlock their true potential with this album. Their previous two releases both feature iconic tracks but lack the cohesion that makes The Whaler such an amazing listen, front to back. The band’s folksier elements are ever-present but don’t clash as hard with the Midwest Emo and Screamo songwriting as previous outings. If you’ve been hesitant to get into this band, check this album out! |
| 8 |  | Crochet
Birth Piece
Crochet performs one of my favorite subgenres of music - Midwest Screamo. And damn, do they do it well. Utilizing classic Emo conventions such as the generous use of quiet-loud dynamics and math-rock riffs, and knitting it together with male-female dual vocals filled with passion and hurt, Crochet have unleashed a true Midwest Screamo classic upon the world with this record. |
| 9 |  | Origami Angel
The Brightest Days
A+ Tier
Origami Angel proving once again that they simply do not miss! The diversity of sounds on offer in this album earns its place as a mixtape, and the fun (yet depressing) vibes of a Mid-Atlantic Summer are all over the place. Gami sticks to their strengths of writing extremely catchy music with active, mathy guitar riffs and furious drumming. Most of the tracks on this release are standouts. If you enjoy merriment with your depression, this one’s for you. |
| 10 |  | herlovebeheadsdaisies
carving initials
Taking Emoviolence and crushing it together with traditional Screamo and some subtle Midwest Emo, herlovebeheadsdaisies forged a fantastic debut LP. Noisy and spastic, this band can strip all those elements away in a flash to remind you what makes Emo so great in the first place. |
| 11 |  | Dreamwell
In My Saddest Dreams, I Am Beside You
Haunting and melancholic, Dreamwell push Post-Rock-inspired Screamo into daring directions, cranking up the distortion up in step with the serene melodies. Good Emo is as much about negative space as it is about those aggressive outbursts, and these elements interplay dynamically on this album. |
| 12 |  | Saturdays at Your Place
always cloudy
saturdays at your place employ a healthy dose of Pop-Punk to compose a modern Emo gem. Short and sweet, this EP will breeze by with a runtime of 18 minutes, but the energy remains constant throughout. If this is the future of the genre, and they indeed might be, we’re in good hands. |
| 13 |  | Moshimoshi
Green LP
The second coming our of Lord and Savior, Snowing? Not quite, but this Midwest Screamo band from Finland might be pretty damn close. The LP lives and dies by its jazzy, mathy guitarwork, John Galm-esque screamy vocals and strong Punk roots. moshimoshi isn’t treading new ground with this album, but each song is excellent and the album as a whole is a thoroughly enjoyable listen. |
| 14 |  | Novely
gaps in the fence...i can see through
Old school Emocore with subtle Midwest Screamo influence, novely paints a tragic tale with colorful brushstrucks; the album’s somewhat cathartic nature is upended often by the realness of the strained vocals or the rawness of the instrumental sections. Despite leaning heavily into the often-derivative Hardcore side of the coin, each track stands out in its own way, aided by the LP’s remarkable sense of progression. This release represents the true roots of Emo perfectly. |
| 15 |  | Aren't We Amphibians
Emergency, Exit
A Tier
Hailing from San Diego, whose rich scene over the years has produced some truly great Emo, Aren’t We Amphibians takes it back to the days of yore (2008-2013) with some smooth Emo Revival Revival. The band isn’t content to simply be a tribute to the genre, however; they take the roadmap left behind by those legendary 4th Wave Emo bands and use it as a tool to create fresh new tracks in that style. |
| 16 |  | Ojne
Sogno #3
Øjne is one of the crispest Screamo bands to come out of the last decade, and they continue to display that with this wonderful addition to European Skramz lore. The Post-Rock ambiance and space that Italian Screamo is known for is featured here with a raspy screamer belting his heart out, all while the walls around them are crumbling in. Perfect EP for those looking to get into heavier Emo music. |
| 17 |  | Bully Maguire
Pizza Time!
Channeling the irreverent energy of Gen Z Emo, Bully Maguire constructed a phenomenal debut EP with extremely fun riffs and catchy vocals. If you don’t mind the sanctity of Emo being desecreated with song titles such as “Sarah Jessica Uncle Ben Parker,” this is an amazing, brief and surprisingly diverse record. |
| 18 |  | Captain Jazz
Captain Jazz
To say this band, LP or even each individual track is meta would be a grand understatement, though the almost-satirical approach to writing Emo music lends itself to understanding and embracing what makes Emo great in the first place. Captain Jazz unleashes 12 solid and refreshing Midwest Screamo tracks with this album and ascends beyond the influences that it mocks. Get ready for a William Bonney-esque slice of Heaven. |
| 19 |  | Gingerbee
Our Skies Smile
The incorporation of Electronic and Bedroop Pop elements into Emo and Screamo in the 5th Wave is well documented, though they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Gingerbee is boldly original in an already-stagnant scene and experiment generously with instruments, tones, structures and whole genres. They are the Parallax-era BTBAM of Screamo and I mean that as a good thing. One of the most refreshing listens on this list but a death sentence for Emo purists. |
| 20 |  | Carrion Spring
how it all falls away petal by petal
This short EP is truly a highlight of 2023, especially with the generous use of melody in this release. The brutality of American Screamo is evident iin the album, but Carrion Spring makes sure to balance out the distortion and ferocity with melancholy and atmosphere. |
| 21 |  | basuraastillada
muchas formas de decir casa
Hailing from Colombia, this Spanish-screaming band has finally unleashed a full LP onto the world, fusing elements of Midwest Screamo, Post-Rock and Emoviolence to produce something that is equal parts savage and graceful. However, please be advised that the vocals will drift into the dreaded Bird-Screeching territory fairly often. |
| 22 |  | Morning Dew (MD)
Pulp
Morning Dew attempts to drink Midwest Screamo juice with Hardcore Pulp throughout (sorry for this horrible metaphor). Clean, picturesque guitarwork is the thread that stitches the album together while the vocalists are destroying their throats with open screaming, not to mention the pulse-pounding rhythms scattered about. Here’s hoping for more than one release every six years from this outfit. |
| 23 |  | Feverchild
Altering A Memory
Feverchild is authentically old-school, taking influence from the Post-Hardcore-tinged Emo bands of the 2nd Wave, such as Mineral and Texas is the Reason. Instead of deploying songs that are cheap copies of these 90s classics, Feverchild embraces these traits and engineers something all their own. Had this album come out in 1997, Emo artists would be citing it for years to come as a major influence. |
| 24 |  | Stress Fractures
Stress Fractures
A project eight years in the making, Stress Fractures’ debut self-titled LP is an Emo / Pop-Punk hybrid well worth your time, despite that description being a dime a dozen these days. With themes of loss of innocence and the pains of growing older, there is a high level of energy maintained throughout. A breath of fresh air for Pop-Punk and Emo fans alike. |
| 25 |  | Joliette
Luz de Bengala
Mexican Screamo / Post-Hardcore legends Joliette never miss, and this EP is no exception. Raw, soul-crushing screams, poignant peaks and immaculately balanced volume dynamics define this emotional release of a record. This is the result of a seasoned Screamo band with proficient musicians and skilled songwriters. |
| 26 |  | Yes Yes A Thousand Times Yes
Supertinyinfinitedans
On Supertinyinfinitedans, this band defies society and dares to have hope, no matter how difficult that might seem. The band began their career at the tail-end of the Emo Revival and, as such, feel like the logical endpoint of that sound: booming, high-register vocal melodies, hyper-technical Math Rock guitar noodling, Indie Rock and Post-Hardcore influences slowly trickling in. At least as good, if not better, than their acclaimed debut LP. Had there been a more consistent middle section, this would be in contention for AotY. |
| 27 |  | Welcome to Berlin
...And It's Blinding
From the opening salvo of the album, the Post-Hardcore elements are unabashedly laid out with dual-screamers belting out over impassioned discord. Welcome to Berlin isn't shy about experimenting with their sound; classic 90s Emo influence, hints of Screamo and even a few Indie vibes sneak into their compositions. |
| 28 |  | Short Fictions
Oblivion Will Own Me and Death Alone Will Love Me
A- Tier
5th Wave Emo is real and Short Fictions wants you to know that it runs through them. Much like their previous releases, this band showcases a wide range of influences and sounds, neatly packing them into an Emo Pop framework. No single track defines them, so be sure to check out the whole album. |
| 29 |  | as a sketch pad
as a sketch pad (LP)
Extremely solid Emo Revival Revival stuff with all of the Emo goodness you’d expect. The album picks up even more toward the end, but the whole thing is a worthwhile listen. |
| 30 |  | what is your name?
My Name Is...
what is your name? repurposes old school Indie music, twists it up with experimental instruments and sounds, and has crafted a truly unique take on Emo with this release. If you like a little Psychadelia with your Emo or just enjoy offbeat Emo releases, this should be high on your radar. |
| 31 |  | Equipment
Miracle
With two releases this year, Equipment continues to put out fabulous content, though their EP does edge out their LP in terms of quality. With Pop-Punk characteristics permeating throughout this Emo Pop record, this 15-minute jaunt features a freshly diverse group of songs that all come together fairly well. It’s very close to being truly great. |
| 32 |  | Phony
Heater
Channeling ageless punk energy with a keen sense of melody, Phony gift Emo with a succinct 20-minute LP that introduces tons of great ideas that never overstay their welcome. Once it’s over, don’t be surprised if you want to put it right back on repeat. |
| 33 |  | Chinese Football
Win&Lose
Okay, so this album technically came out in 2022, but since it was the last day of the year, I’ll count this as an honorary 2023 release. This is the end of the Game Triology, and by far the longest release of the three. Chinese Football evolve past AND with their (very obvious) influences, taking the jazziness of their previous material and smoothing it out. With themes of expectations vs failures, Chinese Football leave a gaping hole in their chest for us all to see on this nearly hour-long sonic sojourn, showing sorrow transcends language barriers. |
| 34 |  | Dad Hats
Spill
Dad Hats largely plays Pop-Punk, but I believe this to be Emo-Adjacent at worst and Emo Pop at best. All of the Pop-Punk tendencies that you love are here in spades: extremely catchy vocals, huge guitar lines and an urgent rhythm section. However, the Emo influence on this release is applied perfectly with atypically-proficient guitarwork, confessional subject matter with a side of silliness to offset its gravity and mastery over quiet-loud dynamics. |
| 35 |  | afterlife dating
Papyrophobia
Papyrophobia is a fascinating blend of Screamo, Post-Rock and Shoegaze ominously dripping with atmosphere to support the themes of fear throughout. Gigantic instrumental sections are sprinkled throughout this release, giving the brutal sections more gravity. Huge stretches of clean, melodic music are the glue that holds this emotional LP together. |
| 36 |  | Palette Knife
New Game+
A refreshingly positive-sounding Midwest Emo album with noticeable Math Rock and Pop-Punk infusions, Pallette Knife is doing nothing to push the genre's boundaries but is absolutely killing it in terms of mastering its conventions. Stubbornly midtempo, upbeat and mathy, this album's nearly 40-minute runtime breezes by. Dual male-female vocals and chiptune synths ensure the album's melodies are not soon forgotten. |
| 37 |  | How to Care for Flowers
For a Brief Moment I Felt the Sun’s Warmth…
B+ Tier
Connecting Emo with Post-Hardcore, How to Care for Flowers release a brief yet poignant ~12 minute EP in three songs. Strong songwriting and a disposition for desolation are wrapped up neatly by one of the year’s best vocal performances. If this release had one or two more fleshed-out songs, it could have made it higher up. |
| 38 |  | Party Hats
Autobiographic Autopsy
On the forefront of Midwest Screamo with contemporaries vs self and Knumears, Party Hats releases another strong EP that showcases their penchant for spastic and mathy songwriting with a strong Emo identity. Somehow, you can feel the Texas in this record and, even more incredible, it’s not a detriment. |
| 39 |  | New Forms
As Dust Collects
Now that’s what I call Emoviolence! As Dust Collects is an album that plays into the Emoviolence tropes to a tee: extremely short songs, dynamic shifts between Grindcore-esque lunacy and wistful, heavy noise, and a healthy dose of bloodlust. New Forms doesn’t reinvent the wheel with this release, but they sure are mastering it. |
| 40 |  | OLTH
every day is sOmeOne's speciaL day
Unreal bird screeches are one of the main features of this absolutely brutal album, but OLTH has taken cues from the Screamo greats and knows exactly when to slow it down or keep the volume low. When it comes down to it, they sound bitter and nasty. |
| 41 |  | Estoy Bien
Apoyo Emocional
Estoy Bien, tocando de Santiago, Chile, is a band that looks at the big picture - and I do mean BIG picture at almost 1 hour in length - taking influences from 2nd, 3rd and 4th Wave Emo, and designing a unique record. Perhaps the most ambitious album released this year, each individual track is noteworthy in its own way, but this is also one of the album’s biggest hurdles. Removing some of the excess could have seen this shoot straight to the top. |
| 42 |  | tontoloop
grum
Midwest Emo from Chile's underground music scene, the production value of this debut EP is surprisingly crisp, but it never comes at the expense of the tracks’ rawness. In particular, the drum performance and recording is remarkably clean and technical. With just two members, it's a wonder how they can craft such expressive songs. |
| 43 |  | A Rise (And Fall) Of a Dilapidated Home
Quit Running For The Exit; For It's An Endless Spi
A short EP consisting of rejected songs from a future full-length, A Rise (And Fall) exemplifies the experimental and genre-breaching nature of 5th Wave Emo while employing the characteristics that made 4th Wave Emo so special: imperfect vocals that channel real human emotion, the infusion of spacious Post-Rock sections between cacophonous Punk-influenced Emo. This release is unlike anything else put out this year and for that reason alone, is worth a listen. |
| 44 |  | Hot Mulligan
Why Would I Watch
B Tier
With a penchant for making memorable melodies and the singer's signature scream-singing style, Hot Mulligan create Emo-Pop goodness with a healthy dose of Pop-Punk. Confessional lyrics, driving rhythms and fun Emo riffs further the band's legacy as one of 5th Wave Emo's biggest bands. |
| 45 |  | Free Throw
Lessons That We Swear to Keep
Free Throw has proven one of their greatest strengths is consistency as they have not released one mediocre album since debuting. However, much like their previous LP, this album features some real standout tracks amid a sea of good ones. If you prefer their older Midwest-inspired stuff, this album still isn’t a return. Those days are gone. |
| 46 |  | Thin
Dusk
Absolute insanity from Thin, Dusk is Emoviolence nastiness at its most extreme. There’s hardly any reprieve from the brutal, punishing songs that usually (and mercifully) clock in at around a minute or so. The low growls might turn off Skramz fans, but the higher-pitched shrieks are a good counterbalance. This definitely has a case for one of the best Emoviolence records of the year. |
| 47 |  | lemon bread
Crow's Nest
crow's nest is a noisy and somewhat lofi approach to Midwest Screamo. The distorted guitar attempts a wall of sound of sorts, even when riffing, and the vocalist's throaty hardcore screams aid in that goal. However, moments of serene Midwest Emo pepper this release to give the harshness a well-deserved reprieve. |
| 48 |  | Thanks! I Hate It
Lovers Lane
Vocalist Sam Hogan said it best on the album - “We're not as Punk as you prefer.” That said, this debut Emo Pop LP is dripping with exuberant youthful energy, playful Pop-Punk song structures and earworm hooks. Even though you can tell which artists inspired this band, they aren't content being a carbon-copy and stamp this release with their own mark. |
| 49 |  | Sincere Engineer
Cheap Grills
Cheap Grills is a spirited Pop-Punk album at its heart with very strong Emo influences. The sincere, confessional lyrics are all sung with melody in mind, making this album quite a catchy one. There isn’t too much that stands out on this record, but the entire 40-minute runtime blows by. |
| 50 |  | City Traffic
winter
For this debuting band, gloom and doom is the name of the game. Appropriately titled winter, much like the days of the season, the songs are of very short length but convey a myriad of emotions within their short runtime. This is cold atmospheric Midwest Emo with Post-Hardcore undertones. |
| 51 |  | Magazine Beach
Constant Springtime
Magazine Beach produces high-energy Emo-Pop with their first LP. There are a ton of catchy hooks, fun Emo riffs and Pop-Punk song structures. The album name is definitely appropriate, though the tracks aren’t as consistent and cohesive as you’d hope; several interludes and acoustic pieces really derail the flow. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for more Emo-Pop, don’t miss out on this one. |
| 52 |  | onewaymirror
onewaymirror
Gritty, lofi and choatic, onewaymirror unleash upon the world an ungodly Emoviolence abomination that looks to the Mount Rushmore of the genre for inspiration. Despair and tumult characterize the LP and, like any great Emoviolence record, remains brief at 15 minutes long and embodies the Hardcore / Powerviolence ethos that makes this genre erratic. |
| 53 |  | Stegosauro
Stegosauro
B- Tier
If you enjoy a heaping tablespoon of Math Rock riffage in your Emo, then this band might just be for you. Featuring some of the most proficient guitarwork of the year, this Italian Emo Revival Revival band has all the elements that make this movement great - but perhaps it’s played too by the book. Aside from the stellar twinkles and the occasional lush composition, this EP is very standard Emo fare. And that’s not a bad thing! |
| 54 |  | Equipment
Alt. Account
This release is perhaps the most prototypical Emo album of the year, but that’s okay in my book! Clean, twinkly riffs over confessional lyrics are almost always a winning formula, but perhaps a lack of variety and a dearth of truly standout songs stop this album from being as good as their other 2023 release. |
| 55 |  | Aren't We Amphibians
Two Songs
Two songs of average length may not qualify as a true EP release by some people, but when the songs are this good, I think it’s justified. Twinkly Emo Revival Revival is the name of the game and this EP shows the band can play it well. All of the genre tropes you’re hoping for are here. |
| 56 |  | awakebutstillinbed
chaos takes the wheel and i am a passenger
awakebutstillinbed does not disappoint with their long-awaited second full-length album, though perhaps it isn’t as poignant and inspiring as it could be. Shannon writes and performs as good as anyone in Emo today, fusing elements of Midwest Emo and Screamo, but hasn’t quite had the cohesion and consistency on her LPs as fans would hope, given the band’s position as 5th Wave Emo pioneers. Cutting out 15-20 minutes might have greatly benefitted this release. |
| 57 |  | Guitar Fight from Fooly Cooly
Drought
Somewhat on the Emo-Adjacent side of the spectrum, the sadboi vibes are nonetheless evident here. This 10-minute EP features mathy Emo riffs, throaty screams and a pummelling rhythm section. Whether or not you consider it Emo, Easycore or Post-Hardcore, this release is just really cool. |
| 58 |  | harrison gordon
The Yuppies are Winning
After a series of splits, EPs and singles throughout the early 2020s, Harrison Gordon finally unleashes their first LP onto the world. Heavily Pop-Punk inspired, the band is very reminiscent of acts such as Modern Baseball. They aren’t treading any new ground, but it’s still a pretty good listen. |
| 59 |  | November Letters
Illustrated Shades
Taking inspiration from Acoustic Emo legends like Owen, November Letters strips Emo down to its barest essentials: passion, sorrow, melody and an imperfect voice singing beautifully. This is one of the more human releases of the year. |
| 60 |  | 40ft to go
The warmth that I felt as I crossed...
Lofi Midwest Screamo filled to the brim with a dreaded sense of longing. The unhurried tempo that they typically play in is occasionally broken by cathartic frenzied outbursts, giving the EP some variability. If you like noisy, low-production Screamo, this might be your jam. |
| 61 |  | Del Paxton
Auto Locator
Leaning heavily into Midwest Emo, Del Paxton delivers a mathy sophomore full length record filled with all the goodness of the genre: active riffs, constant change-ups in volume and sadboi vocals and lyrics. Although nothing on this record is truly breathtaking, each track is very competent and Midwest Emo superfans will have every reason to give this a listen. |
| 62 |  | Look At The Bones
Home Sweet Home
Perhaps Home Sweet Home is your typical paint-by-numbers Midwest Emo EP, but the talents in Look At The Bones are just too good to write this release off. Good Emo Revival-esque stuff with blistering Math Rock guitar. |
| 63 |  | Koyo (US)
Would You Miss It?
Melodic-Hardcore-inspired Emo-Pop with obvious Pop-Punk connections, Koyo heavily channels 3rd Wave Emo and Emo-Adjacent music to compose a catchy and explosive LP. Koyo doesn’t overstay their welcome with this album, clocking in at around 30 minutes, though perhaps some will find that the sum isn’t greater than the influences that influenced it. |
| 64 |  | Fox Teeth
Through the Blue
Jade Rich evolves and matures as a songwriter on this LP while maintaining the playfulness that shaped Fox Teeth's first outing. Fox Teeth dipped their toes into several other genres with this release, including Power Pop and Dream Pop, though the twinkly Emo sound is still there. While there are no truly extraordinary tracks on this LP, giving it a full listen is still recommended. |
| 65 |  | Gonewithyou
Gonewithyou
Clocking in at less than 10 minutes, this five-track debut S/T EP was recorded with demo-style recording and production, heavily reminiscent of fellow LA Skramerz 1972andesflightdisaster. Heavy distortion and hardcore screams drive the Midwest Screamo action. This release should put Gonewithyou on your radar. |
| 66 |  | Swiss Army Wife
Medium Gnarly
Medium Gnarly is boilerplate Midwest Emo, featuring the riffs, song structures and vocals you have grown to love from the genre. Though nothing particularly outstanding is found on this release, the songwriting is consistent and the Punky-edge that their songs have gives the listener a reason to come back. |
| 67 |  | Can't Swim
Thanks but No Thanks
Definitely more Emo-Adjacent Pop-Punk / Post-Hardcore, but nonetheless carries enough sadboi vibes to make it on this list. This album is definitely softer than some of their previous works, but the abundance of melody makes up for it. The vocalist’s unique raspy singing voice is memorable and only adds edge to the Pop-Punk proceedings. Overall, a really fun record marred by the lack of cohesion in the album. |
| 68 |  | Clay Birds
a reflection of...
C+ Tier
Lofi, noisy, raw; these are words you can use to describe the dense musical stylings of Clay Birds, who released their first EP this year. The vocals, though low in the mix compared to the other cacophonous instruments, are frantic and add a human element to the dark tones. Another interesting release in the growing movement of Lofi Screamo. |
| 69 |  | Dowsing
No One Said This Would Be Easy
Relatively standard Emo / Pop-Punk fare, Dowsing returns with a solid record, even if it isn't anything spectacular. If you like mid-tempo Pop-Punk with strong Emo leanings, this might be worth the listen. |
| 70 |  | Abacot
Promo 2023
C Tier
It’s always exciting to hear a youthful take on a familiar genre. Evidently inspired by 4th Wave Emo, this solid release is only three tracks long but a worthy listen if you want some more Emo in your ears. A decent starting place for the band, let’s see if they can expand on their sound in the future. |
| 71 |  | Camping In Alaska
HOLLOW EYES
Camping in Alaska attempts to channel old-school 2nd Wave Emo in this release but winds up proving that their old material is still their gold standard. At three songs and sub-15 minutes, this is a breezy listen, but the originality is lacking a bit. If you enjoy Post-Hardocre influence in your Emo, this might be worth checking out. |
| 72 |  | moreru
呪詛告白初恋そして世界
C- Tier
Insane Japanese Skramz that goes above and beyond to foster an atmosphere of chaos and quirkiness, indulging in a heavy amount of experimentation, electronic elements and studio tricks. Although it succeeds in its mission, they perhaps push the envelope too far out of the Emo realm, but Skramz fans might find some enjoyment from the absurdity on display. |
| 73 |  | Thank You, I'm Sorry
Growing In Strange Places
At the intersection of Emo, Indie Rock and Indie Pop lies Thank You, I’m Sorry. The Emo on this release is actually quite competent, but Growing in Strange Places leans heavily on the Indie influence and suffers because of it. A lack of cohesion, as well as sounding a bit cheesy in certain tracks, really holds this album back. |
| 74 |  | Have Mercy
Numb
Far removed from the heyday of their debut LP, the band is nonetheless striving forward with Alternative-tinged Emo. I wouldn’t say there’s a bad track on this album, and the quality of the tracks is actually pretty consistent, but the LP is just alright. It does nothing wrong but doesn’t do much to inspire the listener. Still, there are some nice Emo moments on this album for those curious. |
| 75 |  | Mom Jeans.
Bear Market
D- Tier
The Dad-Rockification of Mom Jeans continues with this unnecessary compilation of re-done tracks that are all significantly worse in this acoustic collection. Unless you are a huge Mom Jeans fan, enjoy their new direction a lot more than their older, more Emo releases and can stand when your favorite songs are butchered. |
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