Emo

Sympathy

2/23/2011
Anthony Feole
Artist: 
Scattered Trees

Scattered Trees is a band that grew up together in the outskirts of Chicago. The band became a family in more ways than one, with some of the members sharing last names. As time progressed, Scattered Trees became a staple of Chicago clubs. However, it wasn’t until lead singer Nate Eiesland’s father passed away that the band began composing their best music. These songs are dedicated to the memory of Nate’s father, and the album is called Sympathy.

CD Review, "The Alter Ending" by Dashboard Confessional

3/8/2010
Hillary Frazier
Artist: 
Dashboard Confessional

If you’re a seasoned of closet Dashboard Confessional fan, you’ll like this album. It’s just like every other Dashboard Confessional album, but with a bit less of the slow ballads and more of the catchy, poppy emo songs. Unlike previous (particularly older) Dashboard albums, the sound quality of this album is very good. There aren’t any acoustic songs, but it’s still in typical Dashboard form, which again is enjoyable if Chris Carrabba’s voice is to your liking.

In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3

6/25/2009
Josh Brachfeld
Artist: 
Coheed and Cambria

Coheed and Cambria get called a great many things, like emo and progressive, but first and foremost they are rock musicians. They have created a light, buoyant sound of rock that is fast paced, and increasingly complicated at points, but is at the same time accessible. One element that is of note is lead singer Claudio's voice. He sings better than Getty Lee of Rush, and the truth is one can hear a lot of Rush influence in the music. It is certainly progressive, and many of the songs clear four or five minutes.

Many of the songs did not hit the radio.

Reviewer Rating: 
4.00Stars

Adelphia

6/12/2009
Julie Terry
Artist: 
A Skylit Drive

If you like scremo and hardcore-ish music, checkout the newest album by A Skylit Drive, "Adelphia." This is the band's second full-length release and it comes hardly a year after their first drop. The sound reminds me of a mixture of Coheed and Cambria and the Used. "Adelphia" has less screaming and more singing, which some fans may dislike.

This album delivers diversity. Rather than only having breakdowns and thrash sessions, the newest album delivers on a more developed sound level.

Reviewer Rating: 
4.00Stars

EP

7/24/2008
Marie J. Pellegrino
Artist: 
Ionia

Ionia's EP has 6 tracks that are bound to introduce the band to a number of young fans. Their music sounds like an unbalanced mix of alternative and emo. The vocals are pretty, on occasion, and a few of the choruses are catchy. The guitar solo on the fifth track is a bit muted compared to the melody; however, it makes it more interesting. Ionia is not for everyone, but for many.

Reviewer Rating: 
4.00Stars

The Moment

7/3/2008
Marie J. Pellegrino
Artist: 
Framing Hanley

Framing Hanley creates an album that is emo; it sounds like something mixed with Brand New, something like Smile Empty Soul. While I would categorize this as emo, some songs have the occasional high-pitched scream; it has an extra edge that makes listening to it more interesting (I cannot quite get my finger on that quality).

The Moment is full of songs that have simple melodies with straightforward angst-y lyrics that will, most likely, be a favorite among emo and somewhat angst ridden teens.

The singer's voice is quite soothing on the slower tracks as are the guitars.

Reviewer Rating: 
4.50Stars

In the Name of Progression

7/2/2008
Marie J. Pellegrino
Artist: 
Coastline Ending

Coastline Ending's In the Name of Progression is a mediocre emo album; it sounds like many other bands, including Taking Back Sunday, just to name one. The melodies and lyrics are catchy, but nothing about this CD stands out as spectacular or captivating. If you like this kind of music then you will probably love it as it is something that does not push the envelope, stand far away from the envelope, or barely enters it; the music fits perfectly inside the envelope.

There are a few parts in several tracks that are interesting and entertaining.

Reviewer Rating: 
3.50Stars

Honestly, I'm Doing Okay

5/31/2008
Marie J. Pellegrino
Artist: 
The Spill Canvas

The Spill Canvas will attract some new fans with this EP, Honestly, I'm Doing Okay, as well as please old fans, especially with most of these songs being on a previous CD, from what I learned on amazon.com. The only new song on this EP is "Lay It On Me," which has decent guitars and is more like emo with a little bit of pop punk. "Saved" is pretty with the piano's melody. The lyrics are simple and sweet. The problem with Honestly . . . is that there is nothing that makes The Spill Canvas stand out against other bands in this genre.

Reviewer Rating: 
4.00Stars

A Long, Lovely List Of Repairs

3/17/2008
Mallory Groff
Artist: 
Amelia

Amelia is comprised of 3 artists, none of whose name is Amelia. The members include Teisha Helgerson who provides the voice and the drums, Jesse Emerson who plays the bass, and Scott Weddle playing the guitar and also providing back up vocals. The band that resides in Portland, Oregon, is on its third album release with A Long, Lovely List Of Repairs.

Reviewer Rating: 
4.50Stars

Goodbye

11/9/2007
Sari N. Kent
Artist: 
Sally Anthony

Sally Anthony's "Goodbye" is a record by an artist whose influences include such diverse performers as Ani DiFranco, Eminem and Madonna. Anthony mixes indie beats with resonant Emo melodies to form an absolutely unique sound.

The second track has a medieval tone to it that is fused with electronica-like sounds for an unparalleled opening. The guitar and drum play weave together, as Anthony emotes about wishing for her sweetheart to remain in her life.

Reviewer Rating: 
5.00Stars
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