18 bands leading the emo revival
If you've been paying any sort of attention over the past few years, you've probably heard talk of the “emo revival.” We hear you: “Isn't it fully revived by now,” you ask?
Perhaps, but we couldn't help but pull together this list of 18 incredible bands, some of which have been carrying the emo torch for years, others of which are just getting started in revitalizing the emo scene as we know it.
Read more: From Fall Out Boy to the Wonder Years, emo has its great poets
But 18 is a pretty small number! Did we forget your favorite emo band? Are these bands REALLY emo? Do you hate the phrase “emo revival”? Fight it all out in the comments.
1. The Hotelier
Plenty of people will tell you The Hotelier is THE band heading up the emo revival, and we wouldn't fight them on it—check out “Piano Player.”
2. A Will Away
A Will Away just keep getting bigger and bigger, and we understand why. “Gravity” is heartrending, and just the perfect amount of heavy.
3. Julien Baker
Let's get personal: I honestly panic when Julien Baker comes on shuffle, because I probably won't make it halfway through any of her songs without crying. Now THAT'S emo.
We guarantee you'll get into Evan Weiss' solo project, and won't be getting over it any time soon.
5. Sine Cura
Texas' Sine Cura are just now on the come up after forming in 2015, and we can't get enough of their song “Pressing Flowers” (and the great video to go with it)!
6. Tigers Jaw
Tigers Jaw are a longtime scene favorite, and the marriage of Ben Walsh and Brianna Collins' voices make for pure musical magic. (Enough M words for ya?)
7. Citizen
Citizen certainly sit on the heavier side of emo, but they're a perfect fit for you if you're a fan of classic Brand New cuts like “Sowing Season (Yeah).” Try them on for size with the dissonant, raw “Silo.”
You could pull a Tiny Moving Parts song out of a lineup based on the frenetic rhythms and intricate guitar work—it's emo marked by technical brilliance.
9. Have Mercy
Let's talk about Have Mercy: The Maryland-based band are well-known for bringing the tears to any lineup they're featured on.
10. Joyce Manor
Joyce Manor deliver their doses of emo in short spurts—no, really, most of their songs clock in at two minutes or less, but they pack quite a punch.
11. Fossil Youth
Oklahoma's Fossil Youth describe themselves as “indie/emo jock rock.” These guys are just getting started, so get in on the ground floor—we can't get enough of them.
12. Pinegrove
If you haven't heard of Pinegrove yet…where have you been? We kid, but seriously. At first blush this band seems a little too twangy to be emo, but they'll grow on you eventually, just like they have on the entire scene.
13. Petal
Petal is the sweet, aching side of emo. Kiley Lotz's tender vocals will be your undoing, we promise.
14. Heavy Hearts
The tragically underrated Heavy Hearts have all the makings to be at the forefront of the emo revival. Give their newest cut “Unravel (Your Love)” a listen—you won't regret it.
15. Everyone Leaves
Everyone Leaves have their local scene of Columbus, Ohio wrapped around their finger, and are making big moves outward. We give these guys just a year or two before they're huge! Get to know them with “Tired Life.”
16. Free Throw
Free Throw make emo feel a little less despairing, which leaves them as perfect contenders to spearhead the genre's revival.
17. La Dispute
The passion behind every La Dispute track has solidifed the band as the all-time favorite of many, many emo fans. If you haven't heard of them yet, check out “Nine,” and pretty soon you'll have their flower logo tattooed on you.
18. Sorority Noise
Few bands have come up faster and with more hype than Connecticut's Sorority Noise. 2015's Joy, Departed was the perfect precedent to this year's stunning full-length You're Not As _______ As You Think. Check out “No Halo” (directed by music video mastermind Kyle Thrash) and be prepared to dissolve into a puddle.
That's all we've got for you! Did we forget your favorite emo revival band? Let us know in the comments.
Watch more: Modern Baseball – “Apartment” stripped-down performance
