There is a lovely little set of emo splits coming out recently via two labels from Japan, Soul Ameria and Blue Post Snowmanz. The influence is fully acknowledged as Tree’s legendary “Post Marked Stamps” and it’s clear in the packaging – every copy coming with a postmarked stamp on the cover. This is the second CD in the series and I’m sure there are many more to come.
We Are on Fire are from Germany and they have 3 songs here, and they conjure up a super strong sound as a two piece. “Dodo” is the stand out. All plaintive guitar twinklings in a Christie Front Drive fashion. Lela and Niko trading vocals in a way that makes it hard not to reference Rainer Maria. “I miss you so much”, big September vibes from the intense, hyper emo lyrics on this one. Cuthbarts are a Japanese twinkly emo band, apparently originally formed in 1995! Their music is gently rolling indiemo. If 25 years ago you were perusing the Crank! / Saul Goodman lists to figure out what you wanted to buy next then this is going to click with you instantly. Gorgeous melodies, swirling guitars, drifting vocals. I’m in the target market.
This series captures a lot about what drew me into this style of music in the first place. Care, creativity, and complete sincerity. The bands chosen for it are throwbacks in the best sense of the word. If you’re too old to understand what on earth “5th Wave Emo” is, then this is probably going to be for you.
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