Released on August 15, 2025, 2004 ways to lose by Double A has quickly become one of my favorite albums from this year after I discovered it mid-December. It’s just that good! Like with most of my favorite albums, I’ve latched onto a few tracks specifically and have them playing on repeat, and it’s safe to say I’m pretty close to knowing all the words to them. This isn’t Double A’s first album, and while I love their two previous albums, DUMBFOUNDED and Kite Dream, 2004 ways to lose is definitely my favorite of the three. Characterized by a gorgeous and energizing mix of genres that drew me in immediately, 2004 ways to lose is sure to capture the hearts of anyone who loves fifth-wave emo, Midwest emo, indie, and anything with a fun little synth.
As I mentioned previously, this is one of those albums where I latched onto a few specific songs with no intention of letting go, and the first track, “eraser”, is one of those tracks. God, I love this one! It’s got that fun little synth that just screams fun and summer, and the way that it goes right into the second track is so well done. It’s got a fun and catchy chorus that has the same energy as “Sleepyhead” by Passion Pit, and it is a verifiable tragedy that this track is only one minute and twenty-six seconds. I want it to last forever! The acoustic guitar strumming contrasts with the bass and percussion in just the perfect way, and the fun synth brings in the treble in the instrumentals in a way that is just energizing, exciting, and fun. When it ends, and it goes into the second track, the fun and energy don’t end; it just keeps going!
The second track is also pretty short, clocking in at just a minute and twelve seconds, but “empty” has the same energy as the first track, and I am absolutely obsessed with it. It’s got that fun little synth that I am always drawn to, and the vocals in this track have that somewhat punk sound and style that I always love. At the same time, it blends pretty typical emo guitar styles with both the synth and the punk vocals to create a truly magnetic and electric track. I love “empty” so much, and it has been practically living in my ears for the past week.
The third track might just be my overall favorite. I love “nobody’s comin back” as much as I love the first two tracks, but the twinkly riffs send it over the top for sure. I also am obsessed with the chorus where they sing, “it’s okay, we gotta go, don’t ask no questions, and I keep comin’ back for more” as the melody and the accompanying instrumentals create a vibe that is reminiscent of both early 2000s and 2010s punk and emo hits and more recent midwest emo and fifth wave emo hits that I can’t seem to get out of my head. My absolute favorite part of this track, though, is the part following the aforementioned lyrics; it’s a part that exists to build energy and create auditory interest, and they pull it off extremely well. When they get to the bridge, they keep the energy they’ve just built while singing a different version of those lyrics with a new melody, and it’s just so incredibly good. The song ends with another slightly different rendition of the chorus, and I love the way that it blends into the fourth track. The seamlessness makes it so much fun to listen to the album front-to-back.
The next track that I love is the sixth track, “compliments”. It opens with chunky power chords and bass, and when the treble of the hazy falsetto vocals comes in, contrast becomes magnetic, and it draws you in. After the first verse, the guitar keeps its chunky nature but adds in some really fun riffs, and overall, the song uses techniques and motifs that are not inherently emo or punk, but the way that it blends genres and tones works really well, and it’s really, really cool.
I found this album in the same way that I find most albums, where a track is in the “recommended songs” selection below a playlist. It was algorithmically recommended, and the algorithm definitely got it right this time! I love these tracks so much, and Double A does an incredible job with blending genres, making a fun atmosphere, and making the tracks feel seamless and intentional. There are not a lot of songs and albums that I latch onto in the way that I latched onto these songs and this album, and I feel so lucky to have found them! Do yourself a favor and go give it a listen.
Written by Valor
