Extended Play 2023
Honorable Mentions:
ABBEYS GARDEN // Pebble Beach (BSDJ)
NOWHERES // Last Dance First (Genet)
SINEMA // After the Flatline (Ephyra)
SO CONCERNED // Ivy // Where's the Pisser & what's your Mom's Phone # (DIY)
XNOMADX // On Skylines of Embers (Ephyra)
BLINK...who?! This was among the few Pop-Punk-releases (like 3?) of the year, I dared to check out and actually enjoyed. Catchy, fun and just enough rough around the edges. [Stream]
I like the no-thrills-approach of this Noiserock-/Mathcore-duo and "Sleep Together" is a nice improvement over their 2021-album. "Turn Down Service", the centerpiece of the record, is such an epic and beautiful track! [Stream]
Occult, scream-y Post-Hardcore by former SECRET SMOKER and WITH ARMS STILL EMPTY members. Cool drive, intense mood and overall a lovely appetizer. The only downsite to it? Yeah, just that. It's an appetizer and too short at 5 minutes... [Stream]
Uncompromising, mosh-y Screamo with heavy bird screeching. At 6 minutes of playtime it's the perfect length too, as I don't know if I could handle much more of that intensity at once! [Stream]
BSDJ proved that they can also succeed in Midwest-Emo. TIMES TABLES' debut EP is a promising start for the three-piece out of Virginia. [Stream]
For the second time in a row CLIQUE delivered an EP that's ultimately too fucking short. Oh boy! It's an intro, a throw-away Noise-remix of an older song and, yeah, two new songs. They're among my favorite Metalcore-bands right now, but they should get their asses together for something more durable... [Stream]
While a bit too long (at 25 minutes), "Camellia" was a nice surprise on Ephyra Records, a label that is more known for 90s-Metalcore-revival. Yet, it fits, cause ALLWARM look (c'mon, the cover speaks volumes!) and sound nostalgic as fuck. While I don't know where they came from, they could've been from Long Island, placing themselves somewhere in the middle of THE MOVIELIFE, TAKING BACK SUNDAY and STAND STILL. Too bad they already broke up! [Stream]
Driving Emo-Math-Pop-Punk out of Japan on the always trustable ungulates label. "Close Up" is a banger, but the rest doesn't fall too far behind. [Review/Stream]
An early Screamo-release, coming out on CD via Honeysuckle Records in Mid-January. It's raw Lo-Fi-stuff with screechy vocals and a wide range from sensitive, silent moments to frantic blasts. I digged. [Stream]
Second EP by the three-piece from Philly and it's a well put together string of melodic Screamo tracks. You can feel that they put a lot of effort into the songwriting process, as this goes quite the distance, while still feeling coherent and smooth. It's just the right dosage of playful, powerful and beautiful! [Stream]
VA FA NAPOLI showed that there's good Midwest-Emo outside of the US. Or, "Midwest Vienna Emo", as they deemed it. This is freakin' nostalgic, reminding me of US-bands like SNOWING and european greats like WHAT PRICE, WONDERLAND? and ROLLERGIRLS at the same time. [Review/Stream]
Standing here like this
The side project by half of FACED OUT is pretty clever cause it sports some of the aesthetics of their main band, while differentating enough. Where FACED OUT is based on experimentation and a love for all sorts of Post-Hardcore, GORILLA GORILLA GORILLA is a love letter to the quirky Midwest-Emo of CAP'N JAZZ. This is full of charming nostalgia and honest emotions! [Review/Stream]
RIVERSLEEM's second release is a nice improvement over their first EP. The production is more well-defined and the band is really comfortable with their songwriting, delivering banger after banger. If you're down for a raw, no-thrills version of what CONVERGE were doing 15-20 years ago, then this is right up your alley! [Review/Stream]
karma? no, i think it was a bullet
Solo project by Alex from SOASTASPHRENAS, and just like them, MPTMK blends energetic, chaotic Screamo with slightly epic melodies and some reduced moments. The Lo-Fi-approach to it gives "karma? no i think it was a bullet" a bit of distinction though... [Stream]
TORENA's second output ranks among my favorite Metalcore-records of the year. They don't reinvent the wheel of the genre, but they sound urgent in their approach at blending Chugga Chugga Hardcore and Thrash Metal. If they continue this way, they should be able to reach the heights of the very similar MINDFORCE in the near future. [Stream]
An early Screamo contender from 2023, that raised expectations with its great concept alone: "Grieve in V Stages". The three-piece out of South Carolina matches those expectations with desperate, metallic outbursts and oh-so-bleak melodies. [Stream]
This band out of Dayton, Ohio got comparisons with ENGINE KID, SLINT and CODEINE, and that's more than valid. On their second EP they settle themselves somewhere inbetween Post-Hardcore, Alt- and Post-Rock. The songwriting is imaginative, challenging and full of little twists. Try this, for a change! [Stream]
This three-piece started out in 2023 as an addition to the Screamo-scene in Providence, Rhode Island. And damn, on their debut EP they already can hang with their hometown buddies from AMITIE and CATALYST. SEVENBASICPLOTS play a heartfelt, melodic, yet also playful kind of Screamo that feels pretty honest and sincere. [Stream]
A big strength by the collective out of Belgium is, that they felt like nothing else this year. They take a lot from the AmRep-era Post-Hardcore/Noise-Rock of the 90s and put it in a more conventional context, with structured songs and melodies thrown-in. The original mix of the EP makes it even better! [Stream]
The first thought that came to my mind, when discovering HINGADA was, that they sound a lot like FUGAZI. And that's always a good thing, not just because FUGAZI are one the best bands ever, but because they're still unparalleled. The band out of California is no rip-off whatsoever, as they combine the experimentation/uneasyness of FUGAZI, HOOVER or UNWOUND with the groove and the force of SNAPCASE. "So disappear" is the kind of record you can sink your teeth into, as it's layered, complex and moody. This is Post-Hardcore for the advanced! [Stream]
I don't blame you if you can't take a band with a masked, professional Wrestler as their lead singer serious, but damn, look behind the surface! UltraMantis might just be as good on the mic as he is in the ring, and his mates do an excellent job at reviving the early Metalcore-sound of INTEGRITY, MORNING AGAIN or MEAN SEASON. [Stream]
"broken" sees AGAINST REALISM at its most musical yet. And that's probably why this is my favorite output so far by the head of the BSDJ label. The electronics are calmer than usual and full of cool ideas - from the near-danceable upfuck that is "i never stop hoping, i never stop getting hurt" to the reduced, dreamy "i couldn't help noticing you not noticing me" to the classy, New Wave-groove of "funkopolis called, they want their funk back". Hopefully we're getting more in that vein soon enough... [Review/Stream]
Yeah, I know I'm repeating myself! The reason why CONSTRAIN felt as fresh as few acts in 2023, was due to the fact that they took the sound that didn't sound fresh anymore around the Mid- to late-2000s. That of "Mallcore", "Fake Screamo" or however you want to call it. As crowded as the genre was in the mentioned decade, as empty it was in the last few years, at least in terms of quality output. CONSTRAIN do a great job at establishing that sound once again with some lovely tunes. It's striking how much time can do, as I'd probably called them a rip-off 15 years ago... [Stream]
I wasn't that much into pure Hardcore this year, but A.N.T.I.'s debut EP did it for me. It's that kind of No-Bullshit-Hardcore I can get myself down to every once in a while. Fast rhythms, some chugs, a nice groove, desperate screaming, a lot of rage, and all that with 4 songs in less than 5 minutes. Not unlike CHEMICAL FIX or early FADING SIGNAL, this is a really promising release! [Stream]
"Luz de bengala" is one of the more expansive EPs of the year - the guys from Mexico City, Mexico put lots of heart and thoughts into this, to ultimately make this one of if not their best outing yet. They incorporated everything that's typical for them, but more than ever, they blurred the lines from genre to genre, as this is one cohesive soundsphere of their own. [Review/Stream]
This fits right inbetween their two labels: Tomb Tree, which specializes in Screamo. And The Ghost is Clear, home to many 90s-inspired Post-Hardcore/Noise-Rock-acts. The focus of LLEWELYN definitely is on the latter genre, and that's a good thing, as they manage to feel quite unique in their approach. This is either parts crushing/mean and hypnotic/sensitive. As a sucker for both styles, I truly appreciate the Dallas, Texas outfit. [Stream]
It won't get anymore mainstream on this list, I guarantee! SCOWL are a band that polarized the fuck out of the "scene" and I had a blast reading all those hate comments by the scene police as well as the quirky justification by their lead singer. The term "industry plant" grew to popularity during these days. While I can't tell how much of an industry plant SCOWL really are, I gotta say, that I don't care either. Personally I'm happier than ever when a HC-band breaks out somehow, cause, fuck, no one really cares anymore for the music that we love on a broader scope and I can't blame the mainstream as HC got downright boring. SCOWL stick out somehow, even when it's just their charismatic lead singer! Yet, they also evolved musically. From a boring, average-at-best HC-band to a band that blends HC with Alt-Rock and Power-Pop in a refreshing kind of way. Hardcore didn't get much catchier in 2023. But, can we still call this Hardcore? And where is the scene police if you need them?! [Stream]
STRANGE JOY in 2023 are bigger, badder, better. I already liked their debut EP from last year, but "Power Pop" is another beast. The songwriting is more on point, the production is fuller and therefor, their vision of delivering that melodic, wave-y Hardcore/Punk-sound akin to DRUG CHURCH, shines even brighter. As entertaining as they are, I'm sure as hell that these gentlemen haven't reached their peak yet. I'm curious where they'll eventually end up! [Stream]
PISSKOP is a solo project by a guy from Fullerton, California and this is his second EP. It's a nice improvement over the first EP "No one likes a Downer, Debbie" and I gotta say, I really like the sentiment of these tunes. You get scream-y Emo with a heavy emphasise on dreamy and melancholic melodies. This supreme melodicism is what makes "This Time Last Year" such a strong EP. [Stream]
Time doesn't heal all Wounds pt. 2
I feel that this record flew a bit under the radar. But damn, can you blame anyone, with the Screamo-genre flooded like this in 2023? A reason for the small resonance might be due to the fact that little to nothing is known about this project, besides that it's one person from Portland, Oregon. The unknown artist has a great sense for terrific Emo-melodies and combines them with crushing, distorted parts, pure Screamo-chaos, high pitched screams and creative songwriting. Don't miss out on this one if you're into the Lo-Fi-stuff! [Stream]
how it all falls away, petal by petal
In Screamo CARRION SPRING are like dinosaurs, being a band for 15 years now. They were part of the Math-movement (?) of Screamo in the late 2000s/early 2010s along with bands like WE WERE SKELETONS, NATIVE and KIDCRASH. And now, they're somehow the last of the bunch that survived. They cleverly evolved their sound over the years, keeping themselves relevant. For a fact, I always digged their later stuff better than the early outputs. They smoothly married their playful nature with moody/epic/downright beautiful Post-Hardcore, and "how it all falls away, petal by petal" is here to emphasize just that. It's among their best stuff yet, and on top of it they covered a DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE-song and made them... their own?! I can't tell, as I successfully ignored this band (yes, shame on me!), but I definitely love this cover... [Stream]
The scene might not be as crowded nowadays, but FEVERCHILD are among the best at bringing the days of TEXAS IS THE REASON and SUNNY DAY REAL ESTATE back into the now. They already proved this with their EP from 2021 and the single from 2022. Their sophomore EP "Altering a Memory" sees them take the next level, as the songwriting is even more confident and natural. Everyone into this special kind of music will adore the guys from Belgium. [Stream]
A Collection of Highly Unlikely Collaborations
TAUBENHUND out of Freiburg in Germany recall the days of european greats like SYN*ERROR, PETETHEPIRATESQUID, THE RABBIT THEORY or WHAT PRICE, WONDERLAND? with their driving mix of Emo, Post-Punk and Math-frenzy. Thus, they automatically hold a special place in my heart. Still, it took Tomb Tree to make me notice, as their debut EP from 2021 flew under my radar. In hindsight, that's no problem whatsoever, as the EP got reworked in the form of "A Collection of Highly Unlikely Collaborations". They invited some special guests who lend vocals to one of the six songs, from David & Daniel of LYPURA/MEISZEL to CanaDave to Sammy, the guy behind WARREN OF OHMS. And -even if that's cheesy as fuck- the guests succesfully breath new life into these fantastic tracks! [Stream]
GREAT FALLS showed two different faces in 2023. The one I couldn't look in the eyes, their fifth full length "Objects without Pain", praised as their best output yet by the majority. And the other face was this small, little EP here. A counterpart to the pretentious, protracted album. Here, on "Funny what survives", GREAT FALLS teared everything down with 3 tracks, all clocking in at roughly 2 minues of playtime. I totally enjoyed staring at their nasty face! [Stream]
The year 2023 in Screamo was stuffed as fuck, though it wasn't easy for all those acts to distinguish themselves from one another. Still, the debut EP by BLACK TEETH sticks out enough. The solo-artist names bands like SILVERSTEIN, ATREYU and HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS as influences, which confused me at first. You can't hear those in the final product, at least not on the surface. Yet, these bands probably left a mark on the outcome, as this EP is really diverse and all over the place. What I like most about it is this rockin' vibe that kinda reminds me of COMADRE as well as the rhythmic nature (great drumming!) to it. An impressive debut and one of my favorite genre releases of the year! [Stream]
"A lot of time and emotion went into the making of this record and we hope that shines through when you listen". Actually, it shines crazy bright. KIANDE AMEDHA formed in late 2022 and they're not shy of incorporating a lot of different elements into their Screamo, from majestic Post-Hardcore to goosebump-inducing Emo to bad-ass Metalcore. The wide-ranging vocal delivery makes it even better! "Recurrent Collapse" is an extremely heavy and extremely diverse record full of sharply constructed and haunting moments. [Stream]
SPLIT SILK's "Drown" is one of the most realized, cohesive and harmonized records of the year for me. The torn and scattered sound-picture perfectly matches the lyrics about finding to oneself. These personal and deeply introspective words by Lucca give "Drown" the last bit of character, to make it something special. Cause while the final result is as artsy and mysterious as the one by inspirators like UNWOUND, RODAN or SONIC YOUTH, SPLIT SILK is way more emotional and imminent. Lucca put together a record that is both a pleasure for the ears as it is a pleasure for the heart. [Review/Stream]
These guys hold the flag of French and European Screamo high and quite frankly don't get enoguh credit for what they do. Their second EP "Murailles" is the best thing in that certain kind of style since... oh well, I guess since their first EP from 2020?! In the tradition of classic acts like AUSSITOT MORT, DAITRO, SED NON SATIATA or LE PRE OU JE SUIS MORT, they build vast structures full of atmospheric melodies, Post-Rock-epicness, and emotionally charged vocals. Screamo didn't get any more beautiful in 2023! [Stream]
Early in the year, this collective out of Japan fascinated me with their technical prone, yet also very emotional and melodic brand of Screamo-gone-Mathrock. The three tracks are full of breathtaking moments and crazy ideas. I truly love NHOMME's rhythmic nature, and even when everything seems to get out of hand sometimes, they always stay with their singular flow. File under: Fresh stuff you probably haven't heard in 2023. [Review/Stream]
I hate Shoegaze! Therefor, GRAVESS' "i still feel it, crawling, under my skin" must be a special kind of record for me. As it's the first record with a distinctive Shoegaze-influence, that got me excited. The band out of Miami, Florida took those Shoegaze-elements an carefully implemented them in a Post-Hardcore/Screamo-setting, yeah, somehow it feels like they were melting all those influences to ultimately get out a sound of their own. Cause what they're doing feels pretty fresh! I surprisingly love the sleepy vocals, especially when they clash with the passionate screams. And I absolutely love the rhythmic nature of the EP as well as the guitars, that either slap you in the face or build a monstrous wall-of-sound. Heck, the production is downright perfect, as this EP is a joy to listen to from start to finish. [Stream]
Min Swords Gar-Fallen
LETSMAKENOTHINGHAPPEN are part of the Screamo and Emo scene of the San Bernadino-area, along with bands like HEDONIC, SO CONCERNED, MEMENTO MORI and some others. It's hard to keep up with them from so far away, cause it's a pretty local scene and they don't give many fucks about the Social Media stuff, besides promoting upcoming house shows every once in a while. What the bands of this scene (at least the few I know) have in common is, that they sound very unpolished, but are overflowing with idealism, emotion and ambition. LETSMAKENOTHINGHAPPEN play that kind of fuck-everything-up-Screamo, noisy and raw as hell, and full of screeching, chaotic, low-in-the-mix-screams. They somehow capture the essence of the genre like not many bands did it in 2023 and feel as sincere and as passionate as possible. [Stream]
In 2023 AREN'T WE AMPHIBIANS became one my favorite Emo-bands in no-time. Their first EP was already great stuff, and with their second one "Emergency, Exit" they packed a ton on top of it. The three-piece from San Diego sounds like ORIGAMI ANGEL and LATTERMAN came together for a jam. And that's really cool, as both are feel-good-bands to me. AREN'T WE AMPHIBIANS are too. They feel sincere and honest in their approach, and the quality of their songs is surprisingly high and tight. They're exceptionally talented and will be up to huge things in the future! [Stream]
Fuck! I can't remember a modern Metalcore-release that hit me as hard as ADRIENNE's second EP did. I already liked their debut EP from 2021, but with "Summer's Beginning" they totally blew up! These three tracks are expansive, clocking in between 4 and 5 and a half minutes of playtime, they suck you in for the whole duration of it and they rely on one thing only: Power. There are no cheap breakdowns or singing or any of this bullshit found anywhere. Yes, it's reduced and repetivitve, but the intensity grows and grows and the songs flow naturally, eventually reaching "epic status". From the way the guitars are shredding to the subtle melodicism, from the vocal delivery to the relentless Mosh-attacks, they borrow a lot from MORNING AGAIN, the possibly best Metalcore-band of the 90s. But, damn, I haven't heard any band since doing it better than ADRIENNE did it on "Summer's Beginning". [Stream]
Did you expect anything else? No record from 2023 got me as intrigued as HEDONIC's "other side of childhood". No record moved my heart or my feet or my head as heavy as this record did. From the lo-fi-production to the raw screaming, from the cymbal-heavy drumming to the lovely chugga chugga guitar parts, from the reduced, moody melodies to the breathtaking breakdowns, it seems like this record was made for me and my special kind of taste in music. "other side of childhood" is an instant classic to me and truly everything you ever wanted to know about emotional Hardcore... [Review/Stream]
2023 round-up: "It's all just content"
(favorite demos, splits, songs, quality memes and a lot more)
2023: Album of the Year
(Top 44s LPs of the year)
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