Two emo tracks and a melodic hardcore track walk into a bar… wait, no they’re just in this alt rock feature today

Boxing Day – “Front Porch” (Emo)
-If you’re looking for a chilled out style that’s a bit more melancholy style of rock, check out this track from Boxing Day. The guitar work really drives the sound while the vocal conveys the lyrical message well. As lifelong horn player, I have to say I appreciate the highlight from the horn as well. The up tempo shift in the track takes it from introspective to a bit harder driving style. It works well in both elements, a shifting dynamic that conveys the emotional depth well. The line, “when I close my eyes I’m by your side” is so sincerely romantic; it’s a heartache song that feels genuine and definitely worth spinning.

Park National – “Your Mom’s House” (Emo)
-Something about the chord structure of this song tickled me right from first listen. The vocals are good, too. The whole energy of the track feels to me like a solid type of indie rock. The lyrical theme and overall mood of the track definitely fits with the emo subgenre. The guitars have this unique energy to them that feels heavier-than-normal but not quite heavy-in-a-bad-way. The rhythmic structure is solid, keeping the track moving along nicely. “Just ’cause I can’t love myself doesn’t mean that I can’t love you.” What a line! It’s definitely got that emotional angle complete with unrequited love and longing, yet there’s this forward momentum in the guitar work that really makes the song stand out.

MOAB – “ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)” (Melodic Hardcore)
-I’ve been semi-professionally writing about music for 14 years and this might be my first time ever covering a track in the melodic hardcore subgenre, but it’s easy to hear what sounds so good about it. There’s a bit of overlap with pop punk here, including some heavy power chords along with some fantastic layered vocals. I appreciate the lyrical content about ADD but also how some people can bring us stability despite our own internal struggles. It’s a powerful sentiment and an exciting track. I appreciate the willingness of the artists to experiment with chord progressions while coming back to a solid basis (especially on the chorus). I could picture a venue absolutely BOUNCING to a track like this.