Before I penned this post, I dedicated a considerable amount of time—at least 3-4 full listens—to the album in question. This level of immersion is somewhat rare for me; I often find myself pressed for time and unable to dive deeply into a release before sharing my thoughts. Fortunately, over the past few days, I found myself traveling on public transport, which provided the perfect opportunity to soak in the music. As I strolled to my day job, the soothing yet invigorating sounds of midwest emo filled my ears. It was an idyllic way to kick off the day.
I never anticipated that I would become such a devoted fan of midwest emo, but it feels like this genre was crafted with me in mind. The same sentiment applies to this exceptional 13-track album from a group of emo punk musicians hailing from Peoria, Illinois, which was recently introduced to me. Despite my ongoing involvement with the current DIY emo scene—albeit from a distance—I hadn’t encountered this band until now. Their band name resonates deeply with me, encapsulating my life in just two words.
Now, let’s delve into the beauty of this remarkable album. The tracks are infused with that distinctive midwest emo essence that’s so hard to pin down yet incredibly appealing. Perhaps it’s the delicate twinkle of the guitars, the intricate math rock riffs, the passionate, sometimes screaming vocals, and the overwhelming energy that permeates each song. Whatever it is, it strikes a chord within me. This album truly has it all; if anyone seeks recommendations, I would wholeheartedly urge them to give this one a listen. It offers not only beautifully crafted melodies but also deeply introspective and emotional lyrics.
In my opinion, this album stands out as one of the finest discoveries I’ve made in recent times and ranks among the best in the emo genre as a whole. It resonates with me on a personal level, and the excitement of having stumbled upon this band—having never heard of them before—only amplifies my enjoyment. I couldn’t resist reaching out for a download code, eager to add it to my cherished Bandcamp collection so I can indulge in it whenever the mood strikes.
This emotionally rich midwest emo album has truly captivated my heart. I absolutely love it.
I even took the initiative to reach out to the band with three questions:
What inspired you to start making music and what keeps you making music?
Writing and performing music is an essential part of each of our lives. It isn’t just something we want to do, but rather something ingrained in us – a part of our core selves. That’s why we have a somewhat large number of songs in our discography. We love to write and create.
What was the most challenging thing in your music (artistic) path?
The most challenging thing for us has been finding ways to consistently play out of our state and across the country. Some bands naturally find ways to network and go on tour quite often. That hasn’t always been so easy for us.
What would you dream to do if anything was possible?
What we would love most of all is to consistently play in new music scenes, meet new people, and share our music with them. Being able to hear new bands and play crazy shows is what makes us feel whole. It’s the best
Written by Filip Zemcik
