ap&r 07.08
[Photos via Spotify]

AP&R: Summer emo, renewed post-hardcore and plenty of punk

You’re welcome: We’ve made finding new songs by rising bands easy. Each week, we’re gathering the best from the underground and offering it to you in one, concise AP&R list. Scroll below and check out our Spotify Discover playlist, featuring these tracks and more!

In return, we want to hear your favorite. Let us know what track you’ll be spinning for the rest of the week in the comments!

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1. Tetchy – “Fascist”

Brooklyn sad grrrl quartet Tetchy launch right out of the gate, effortlessly melding their high-octane melodies with grungy guitars to create their screaming debut single, “Fascist.” The track raises the chaos with piercing vocals fueling the instrumentation. Overall, it makes for a straight blow to the head that’ll leave you intoxicated in their quirky punk vigor.

2. ExitWounds – “Divide”

ExitWounds unravel the chilling urban legend of the two-faced Edward Mordrake in their latest single, “Divide.” The sinister riffs and immense breakdowns sludge through the terror of the tale, seamlessly emulating the haunting distress of Mordrake’s evil duality that led him to take his own life in the legend.

3. Yunger – “Clones”

Yunger’s debut EP, Commonplace, builds off Saosin’s trademark post-hardcore stylings and tops it off with the soaring melodies of I The Mighty. With an undeniable sense of nostalgia, “Clones” calls for a comeback and makes it clear that the classic post-hardcore sound is still a viable formula years later and at home on AP&R.

4. Teddy – “Dead Presidents”

Teddy joins forces with the Lil Peep producer Smokeasac in his new single, “Dead Presidents.” Coupled with jittery trap beats and a despondent guitar line, this track boasts Teddy’s infectious chorus along with Smoke’s spotless production that defines emo rap and proves that he’s far ahead of the game.

5. Decay – “Been Blue”

Decay dive deep into their headroom, reflecting on loneliness and isolation. Taken from the band’s latest EP, Modern Conversation, “Been Blue” questions the ever-fleeting sense of belonging and comfort, all enfolded in melancholic chord progressions and harmonious hooks.

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6. Gulch – “Self-Inflicted Mental Terror”

Santa Cruz punks Gulch get hot and heavy with their repulsive, balls-to-the-wall hardcore, ruthlessly crushing every note in “Self-Inflicted Mental Terror.” The band permeate with decimating heaviness, calling the burliest pit warriors front and center as the painful screams gurgle with the destructive drumming.

7. Flexing – “The Embrace”

Flexing refuse to bite their tongue in their latest release, Modern Discipline, which is equal doses pissed off, political and punk rock. In “The Embrace,” the band roar with outspoken political commentary and convey their expressive message with a slew of heavy riffs and a gritty attitude. 

8. Zen Haircuts – “Sweat City”

Aussie emo trio Zen Haircuts are the sad kids having fun. “Sweat City” proves that you don’t have to be miserable in the Midwest to be the master of twinkly emo noodling. Soaked in warm chords and charming harmonies, this song is a breezy, feel-good tune perfect for a hot summer’s day. 

9. Wolf Skin – “Ultra Violence”

Unleashing their rage with heavy guitar grooves and heart-thumping drum beats, South Dakota’s Wolf Skin return with a strong follow-up to 2018’s The Fifth Circle. Their latest single, “Ultra Violence,” is filled with emotional hooks and enormous breakdowns that make for an intense four minutes.

10. Head North – “Rhodora”

Proudly labeling themselves as cosmic rock, Head North’s latest single, “Rhodora,” is a product of the many musical influences they bring to the table. This mellow track glides over a dreamy ambiance and translucent melodies. All the while, it impeccably meshes neo-folk and indie rock with their signature cosmic-rock aesthetic. 

Make sure to check back for our favorites from the underground each week on AP&R.

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