November is over, let’s talk about some of the music that you may have missed!
I’m probably not alone in this; the colder weather and shorter days are drawing me to more introspective, maybe a little quieter or more intricate music. But, there were still some absolute bangers that came out this past month, from some bands you may not be overly familiar with.
Before we get in to discovering your new favourite bands, some records came out from more well known bands that you should also give a listen to, if you haven’t. Shout out to State Champs, Fucked Up, Bad Astronaut, Counterparts, Less Than Jake, and Tiny Moving Parts.
Worst Ways – Worst Ways
New Age Records
A few months ago I wrote ‘someone call Mike at New Age and let him know he’s got a banger on his hands’. That was about the record ‘No Rescue’ by Sharp Tongues.
Well, I hate to repeat myself, but ‘someone call Mike at New Age and let him know he’s got a banger on his hands’.
This time we are talking about the self-titled debut from Sacramento hardcore band, Worst Ways.
Similar to the aforementioned Sharp Tongues, Worst Ways is no-nonsense fast hardcore to two step to, with some elements that remind me of Refused and Good Riddance as well.
10 songs in 19 minutes. It doesn’t get much more to the point than that…I suppose 10 songs in anything less than 19 minutes is technically more ‘to the point’.
FFO: Refused, Rotting Out, Stretch Arm Strong
3 Chords – Do You Want to Record a Record?
Dirt Rat Records
3 Chords are making pop punk fun again.
By mixing equal parts of the humour of ‘Dude Ranch’ era blink-182, the speed and straightforward skate punk vibes of ‘Life In General’ era MXPX, and the vocal melodies of ‘Wasting Time’ era Mest; this band has managed to take the best eras of 2 of my all-time favourite bands (and Mest), and make one of my favourite pop punk records of the year.
In fact, if you play this back to back with ‘The Runs’ by Scooped Up, it’ll feel like 1996 all over again but in 2024.
FFO: blink-182, MXPX, Mest
A Place For Owls – how we dig in the earth
Broom of Destruction Records
‘Mare Vitalis’ era Appleseed Cast meets ‘On A Wire’ era Get Up Kids, with your favourite 2000s indie rock band, and a hint of Owen.
This record is full of intricate guitar lines, moments of beautiul raw emotion, and driving musical builds and crescendos. The inclusion of some pedal steel, and trumpet are really just the icing on this delicately layered cake.
This is the kind of record where you pour yourself a drink, turn the lights down, and let it take you over.
FFO: Owen, The Get Up Kids, The Appleseed Cast
All Regards – All Our Dreams Turn to Nightmares
Self-released
It sounds like someone made a pizza and the main toppings are Trophy Eyes, Angels & Airwaves, and Mayday Parade.
The guitar lines are soaring, and the vocals are heartfelt. This little EP has something for everyone who has been a fan of pop punk/emo at some point in their life.
The opening track ‘No Return’ is the kind of song I will listen to, and then start it over again immediately following. In fact, maybe that’s a bit of a problem as it always takes me an extra listen to get into the rest of the album; which delivers on the promises made in the opener.
‘Don’t leave me drowning (can’t come up for air)’
FFO: Trophy Eyes, Angels & Airwaves, Mayday Parade
Bottom Bracket – I’m So Afraid of Where
Count Your Lucky Stars Records
As a fan of guitar players that have to walk that fine line of spaz and technique, it sure is a good time to be a fan of tappy emo.
It seems any modern emo record will have its tappy parts here and there, but on ‘I’m So Afraid of Where’, Bottom Bracket lean into it to craft some damn good songs.
Opening track, ‘A Condemnation’ might gently lead you into the record, but don’t get too settled in its easy flowing melodious feel. It won’t be long until you’re tapping your toes, and jerking your head from side to side in unison with the tappy guitars, and jerky song structures.
To explain how easy this record is to get sucked into, I first heard it bright and early while lying in bed. I had awoken about 45 minutes before my alarm was set to go off, so I decided to throw some headphones on and just chill in bed for a bit, fully expecting I’d fall back asleep. At first, I thought this record was going to do just that – provide a mellow soundtrack for a light sleep (in the best way). But, that wasn’t the case. Once ‘Great Lake Jumper’ kicked in, I was doing my best not to wake my wife as I bobbed along, fingers drumming away on my chest. Before I knew it, the record was done and it was time to get the coffee on.
FFO: Palette Knife, Origami Angel, Cap’n Jazz
Ritual Error – Dial In the Ghost
TNS Records
To call this album/band chaotic, frenetic, or agitated would be a pretty apt description.
Call it post hardcore. Call it noise rock. Call it whatever you want, just make sure you don’t call it late for dinner.
On ‘Dial In the Ghost’, Ritual Error tackle topics that really affect us all; anxiety, political disillusionment, and personal identity (as discussed in this IDIOTEQ exclusive track by track breakdown)
Something else I’ve really been enjoying about this record, is how much it reminds me of a long defunct Canadian band of a similar ilk, The Plan. I’m unsure if you can find them on any streaming service, but do your best and try to track down their record ‘Only These Movements Remain’, and then play it back-to-back with this record and get all the rage, anxiety, and emotion out.
FFO: Touché Amoré, The Chariot, The Jesus Lizard
Secret World – Guilt Is Good
Sunday Drive & Last Ride Records
The 90s alternative explosion owed a lot to punk and hardcore, so it only makes sense that a lot of today’s hardcore bands owe a lot to 90s alternative; and it seems Aussie band Secret World is keenly aware of that.
With members who have played in Speed and Trophy Eyes, the quality of the four songs on ‘Guilt Is Good’ should come as no surprise. These are musicians who have perfected their craft, and have now spread their wings.
The only downside to this release, for me, is that it’s only 4 songs.
FFO: Military Gun, Drug Church, Turnstile
Heart To Gold – Free Help
Memory Music
If you’re looking for a new band that writes driving, chunky, anthemic emo; then Heart To Gold should be on your radar. ‘Free Help’ marks their third full length release, after 2018’s ‘Comp’ and ‘Tom’, which was released in 2022.
The song ‘Belonging’ probably takes the cake for me. It slows down a bit after the first 5 songs continue to push you through the album. But when ‘Belonging’ hits, we come to an abrupt stop almost finding a place amongst some of your favourite slowcore artists, before an explosive ending. By singing a low key version of the chorus, to open the song, you will be singing along by the end of your first listen.Cathartic, to say the least.
FFO: Jimmy Eat World, Armor For Sleep, Movements
Exit – New England
SunPop
I’ve never been to New England, but Exit can make me feel like I also left my heart there; I’m always amazed when a band I’ve never listened to before, can immediately make me feel nostalgic.
With their sophomore album, ‘New England’, Exit have tapped in to a pining for days and places I’ve never experienced, or have any actual memories tied to. They do it all through their dynamic songwriting and performances that take you on a journey from start to finish.
Vocally, Exit aren’t afraid to exercise and show off a bit; the smooth transition into falsetto at different times, showcases and often underused vocal styling in the pop punk and emo world.
For maximum nostalgia, and all the feels, I find myself listening to ‘On the Weekends’ on repeat.
FFO: Anberlin, Bearings, Feeling at home even in unfamiliar surroundings
Hell & Back – A Constant Buzz
Not Sorry Records
From Stuttgart Germany, comes the melodic pop punk band Hell & Back, and their new record ‘A Constant Buzz’.
On a day where I wasn’t feeling much inspiration from the new releases I was going through, this record jumped out instantly. The opening track, ‘Rat Race’, wastes no time from it’s opening guitar shot, into the main riff of the song; and it doesn’t let you down from there.
There isn’t much to say about this record except that it’s incredibly easy to listen to. Each song feels like it hits all the right points, and before you know it the record is over and you want to listen again.
FFO: Modern Shakes, Millencolin, Face to Face
Lightweights – Lightweights
Lightweight Recordings
Chicago has been home to countless staples in the punk and emo world, over the years, so new band Lightweights have had a rich scene to come up in.
On their debut, self-titled LP, they aim to stake their claim to a little piece of that Chicago punk rock pie, and they’ve released a catchy pop punk singalong as their Exhibit A. Calling on the services of producer Seth Henderson (State Champs, Knuckle Puck, Real Friends, etc.) is a great way to make a solid first impression.
FFO: Knuckle Puck, Real Friends, Youth Fountain
