“Based in Madison, Virginia, demeritbadge is the solo project of songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dallas Boyd. His self-produced debut EP, “Dead Letters,” blends the interweaving guitars and driving bass lines of 90s emo with the melodicism and pop sensibilities of modern indie rock. The EP features songwriting and lyrics which were slowly cultivated throughout his early musical career performing with different bands in the Virginia pop-punk and indie music scenes and carried with him through the years on hard-drives and in notebooks. “Dead Letters” consists of four songs which explore the process of developing one’s own self-image by dealing with changes, conflicts, and losses. The EP’s opening track “Golden Hour” contemplates the struggle of establishing a sense of place and confidence in a growing relationship, while remaining true to oneself. Currently, demeritbadge is working on a split EP with fellow Virginia indie rock band Sleep, Donaji.”
Here’s a quote that we received regarding the single “Golden Hour,” which serves as the lead track from this EP.
“Golden Hour is a song about struggling to define a new relationship. Overlaying earnest, introspective emo lyrics over summery melodies, cascading open-tuned guitars, and overdriven bass, this song is a mantra for listeners who have ever felt themselves stuck at the limits of language, turning instead to music for self-expression.”
demeritbadge, an emo indie rock band from Madison, Virginia, is the brains behind this debut EP. The music can be described as fuzzy emo with hints of math rock and alternative rock. The songs are filled with excellent energy, and the overall sound of the EP feels incredibly refreshing and distinctive compared to the standard emo music we typically encounter. There’s something truly special about this EP that’s hard to pinpoint, but it has completely captivated me. With just four songs, it’s quite easy to consume, and I highly recommend giving it a listen. Fuzzy twinkly emo is waiting for you!
Written by Filip Zemcik
