Emo Trash

Artists I find and review here to keep track of. Some found on Spotify, others through super secret sources, and live shows. Genres lately: emo, pop punk, post hardcore, swancore

[emotrashjams]

Sorrytown

Las Cruces, NV

Self released 

Self proclaimed desert rock, more on the emo spectrum of rock. Layered vocals like Death Cab, with that desert guitar fuzz, chugs along like Wavves but more chill. If you like Turnover, Swordfish, or Animal Flag then you’ll be into this. They just seem like nice dudes honestly. They are currently active, touring and releasing tunes. The latest release was a single titled Stay Away|Stay the Same. Top Tracks: Let’s Pretend and Ghost off of 2016 album Flowerbed. 

[emotrashjams]

Everyone Leaves

Columbus, OH

Self Released?

A little emo/alt rock band from Columbus. Similar sound to Kayak Jones, Valleyheart, and Sleep in. The female backing vocals feel like a Hailey Williams undertone, which adds a unique level to their sound. Which is helpful because a lot of these emo bands can sound similar ((I love them all but its true)). No screams, not as angsty as Have Mercy. If you need some solid emo jams, but aren’t too angry about it, then these guys are for you. They have one EP, several singles, and a split with Hot Mulligan, but alas no album or any new releases since 2016. 

[emotrashjams]

Trade Wind

Los Angeles, CA?

Equal Vision Records

Their sound for the most part is emo alternative. The band includes former members of Stick to Your Guns and Stray From the Path. They are similar to bands like Casey and Dependence, who are too heavy to be considered pop punk, but too emo to just be considered alternative rock. The vocals can be haunting and beautifully layered at times, guitars soar around him. Atmospheric and melodic. 

Shoutout to the song Lowest Form because it is reminding me of a heavier People in Planes with a touch of Bauhaus?? I’m not sure how that happened but I love the song. If nothing else try this jam out for me. 

[emotrashjams]

Hail the Sun

Chico, CA

Blue Swan Records

In my exploration of Blue Swan bands I came across Hail the Sun. A post-hardcore band with a high pitched male vocalist, so of course they toured and eventually signed with DGD and their label. A touch of screamo vocals and a little bit of noodling guitars, but I wouldn’t call them math rock or prog. They’re similar to Saosin (thanks to having the same producer), Circa Survive, and earlier Dance Gavin Dance. They put out a new album back in September, and are playing SwanFest next year. So if you like that post hardcore/swancore goodness, check them out. 

[emotrashjams]

Native Tongue

Nashville, TN

Self Released

I stumbled upon this band’s lone album on Spotify Driftwood Head this week. It is the kind of emo rock I’ve come to expect from bands like Balance and Composure, Citizen, or Valleyheart. Post hardcore, alt-rock goodness. I couldn’t find much information about them, no new releases since 2015, but they seem to still play some concerts so keep an eye out. The closing track to the album, Strange Light is eerie and distorted as hell. I was not expecting it and it solidified my appreciation for these guys. Some powerful melancholy in the dissonance. 

Top Tracks: Strange Light, Rorschach

[emotrashjams]

Flower Face - Baby Teeth

Ontario

Self Published?

Flower Face is the sad indie alternative I need in my life right now. The lyrics and general aesthetic remind me of Nicole Dollanganger or Salvia Palth. Sad lullabies. This is her second album released early this year, and it is beautiful all around. Her voice is airy and feels on the verge of tears at times. The soft vocal harmonies make me melt. Hangman Hands is my favorite because of the minor key acoustics, the other strings, and the vocal harmonies on the chorus. Maybe the title track implies the way we lose our baby teeth and grow up, but the darkness of the album cover lacks any nostalgia. A flower face could be beautiful, but it also could make it hard to breathe. I’m so glad I found this album through my love for Nicole Dollanganger. Now can we get them to hangout and collab??

Top Tracks: Hangman Hands, Baby Teeth

[emotrashjams]

Free Throw - Those Days are Gone

Album review!

Nashville, TN

Count Your Lucky Stars Records

Free Throw is an emo band from Nashville, and with an emo, pretty landscape cover like this how could I not give them a listen? This is their debut album from 2014. Lyrics are nicely written and full of classic emo themes, discussing relationship woes, addiction, and other personal issues tangled in nostalgia. Vocals are raw, but not quite screamo or La Dispute level intensity, which I think suits their style. If you’re into Citizen - Youth, or Oso Oso - Real Monsters of True People Who Kind of Looked Like Monsters... then this is up your alley. 

Top Tracks: Two Beers In, Tongue Tied

[emotrashjams]

Touché Amoré

Los Angeles, CA

Epitaph Records

I mean based on the record label you can probably guess how these guys sound. Post hardcore, screamo, melodic hardcore with the newer stuff. They have been around for 10 years now and released a thick live album to celebrate. I love when bands that have been around this long still have screamo vocals, growth is good, but I need those angsty screams sometimes, you feel? ((I’m not bitter about BMTH what do you mean)). This band is similar to Title Fight, Defeater, and Pianos Become Teeth. 

[emotrashjams]

Kailee Morgue

Phoenix, AZ

Republic Records

Kailee is already blowing up because of a few viral videos, but her voice is so soft and cute and I kinda love her. She opened for Pale Waves on their most recent tour and honestly sounded a bit better than Heather (don’t hate me I still love her too). They also played Black Sheep by Metric and kicked ass covering it. Her top tracks online are the poppier ones, but live she whipped out her guitar for most of the songs, so my guess is that she’s going to lean more of a goth, indie singer-songwriter than straight pop. But with her talent she could be as big as Halsey in the future, we shall see. She released an EP, an acoustic EP, and several singles so far. I think the acoustic Medusa EP is my favorite so far, so I would recommend that, and keep an eye out for that first album. She may blow up really soon. If you like Mothica and Luna Shadows, then she is for you.

[emotrashjams]

Coletta

Atlanta, Georgia

If you’re having another Dance Gavin Dance phase after Artificial Selection ((like me)) then you’re going to like these guys. They’ve only released one album, but it is such a solid mix of post hardcore, mathy noodling guitars,  and unique other instrumental bits. I love the harsh vocals and the marimba most of all. Mind & Time is a sick debut, and I really wouldn’t be surprised if they get signed to Blue Swan soon. 

[emotrashjams]

Sleep Token

London, UK

Basick Records

Sleep Token is a prog, post-metal band from London. Songs with go from melodic emo, to a hard breakdown and don’t miss a beat. They’re pretty theatrical as you could guess from the pic above^ and kinda try to make people think they’re a cult. Their recent singles have all been stamped with their new logo and a bit more minimal aesthetically. These guys keep popping up in my spotify recommendations and I haven’t been disappointed yet. But, alas, I’m not about to join the cult of Sleep. Sorry Vessel.