Rites of Spring	emo influences these albums represent the bands that helped move hardcore away from a three chord process and add a pop sensibility to an otherwise completely abrasive genre. they are the 'proto-emo' groups that while encapsulating some of the aspects of the genre were essentially laying the foundation for a new type of hardcore.
these albums represent the bands that helped move hardcore away from a three chord process and add a pop sensibility to an otherwise completely abrasive genre. they are the 'proto-emo' groups that while encapsulating some of the aspects of the genre were essentially laying the foundation for a new type of hardcore.
	Hüsker Dü Zen Arcade (1984) the record that helped kill hardcore. from a band that was previously one of the fastest and aggressive bands in the scene to make something as anti to the set sound as "Zen Arcade" must have been somewhat of a shock at the time. any band that claims to be playing a progressive form of the genre owes praise towards Husker Du's opus.
the record that helped kill hardcore. from a band that was previously one of the fastest and aggressive bands in the scene to make something as anti to the set sound as "Zen Arcade" must have been somewhat of a shock at the time. any band that claims to be playing a progressive form of the genre owes praise towards Husker Du's opus.
	Rites of Spring Rites of Spring (1985) Rites of Spring are recognized as the founders of the emotional hardcore scene almost universally. taking the DC hardcore spirit and filtering it through a funnel of lead singer Guy Piccotto’s personal issues with a slew of relationships was the inspiration for their extremely visceral yet melodic sound. Rites of Spring distanced themselves from the hardcore scene of their day by exhibiting intense emotional stress instead of the cliché violence that bands like Black Flag based their sets on. perhaps most famously Piccotto was known to at times cry during live shows something unprecedented in comparison to the more macho behavior of most hardcore lead singers. Rites of Spring laid the footwork for a more sensitive, more personal scene than the early ‘80s hardcore explosion.
Rites of Spring are recognized as the founders of the emotional hardcore scene almost universally. taking the DC hardcore spirit and filtering it through a funnel of lead singer Guy Piccotto’s personal issues with a slew of relationships was the inspiration for their extremely visceral yet melodic sound. Rites of Spring distanced themselves from the hardcore scene of their day by exhibiting intense emotional stress instead of the cliché violence that bands like Black Flag based their sets on. perhaps most famously Piccotto was known to at times cry during live shows something unprecedented in comparison to the more macho behavior of most hardcore lead singers. Rites of Spring laid the footwork for a more sensitive, more personal scene than the early ‘80s hardcore explosion.
	Gray Matter Take It Back (1986) [EP] Gray Matter encapsulates the Rites of Spring influence. Completely derivative of Rites of Spring's sound Gray Matter began to take that archetype and turn into an alternate form of hardcore. While they would definitely become far more melodic on their later releases 'Take it Back' exists as one of the earliest attempts at creating a sound based on the footsteps of Husker Du and Rites of Spring.
Gray Matter encapsulates the Rites of Spring influence. Completely derivative of Rites of Spring's sound Gray Matter began to take that archetype and turn into an alternate form of hardcore. While they would definitely become far more melodic on their later releases 'Take it Back' exists as one of the earliest attempts at creating a sound based on the footsteps of Husker Du and Rites of Spring.
	Embrace Embrace (1987) essentially the transistor from Minor Threat to Fugazi, Embrace is one of the pioneering bands in the creation of post-hardcore. While technically not as emotionally bare as Piccotto’s Rites of Spring, Embrace's sound was a key component of Revolution Summer thus helping bring about an evolution in hardcore. while the line that separates emo and post-hardcore is a thin one Embrace is one of the bands that complete straddles it. blending the lyrical outlet for social education that Minor Threat possessed with the political and social awareness of Fugazi Embrace helped create a slower more personal hardcore. the group would help inspire the sounds of bands like Heroin and Moss Icon. while the band is technically not “emo” they certainly were one of the forces helping push the birth and sound of the genre.
essentially the transistor from Minor Threat to Fugazi, Embrace is one of the pioneering bands in the creation of post-hardcore. While technically not as emotionally bare as Piccotto’s Rites of Spring, Embrace's sound was a key component of Revolution Summer thus helping bring about an evolution in hardcore. while the line that separates emo and post-hardcore is a thin one Embrace is one of the bands that complete straddles it. blending the lyrical outlet for social education that Minor Threat possessed with the political and social awareness of Fugazi Embrace helped create a slower more personal hardcore. the group would help inspire the sounds of bands like Heroin and Moss Icon. while the band is technically not “emo” they certainly were one of the forces helping push the birth and sound of the genre.
	Fugazi Fugazi (1988) [EP] when shit comes down to it Fugazi should be remembered as the most important independent band ever. everything they've done is phenomenal and their rigid ethics have left them as one of the few truly "punk" groups. Fugazi is essentially the fore-father of post-hardcore and in turn partially impacted the emo sound. while i wouldn't necessarily label Fugazi as an emo group their style of rhythmic chaos is a very important influence on basically all of the hardcore that followed it.
when shit comes down to it Fugazi should be remembered as the most important independent band ever. everything they've done is phenomenal and their rigid ethics have left them as one of the few truly "punk" groups. Fugazi is essentially the fore-father of post-hardcore and in turn partially impacted the emo sound. while i wouldn't necessarily label Fugazi as an emo group their style of rhythmic chaos is a very important influence on basically all of the hardcore that followed it.
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Heroin	first-wave emo the originators; these groups are the bands that essentially were the Minor Threats and Black Flags of their new found scene. sure the recordings are a lot shittier, but these groups helped create the scene that is seen as 'emo' today.
the originators; these groups are the bands that essentially were the Minor Threats and Black Flags of their new found scene. sure the recordings are a lot shittier, but these groups helped create the scene that is seen as 'emo' today.
	Moss Icon Hate in Me (1988) [EP] Moss Icon skillfully brought forth the idea of build-ups and crescendos into the realm of emo. while they certainly aren’t exhibiting the “post-rock” ethics of bands like Slint and Bastro, Moss Icon's experimentation with dynamic hardcore songs helped further define the emo sound. Moss Icon still draws on the Revolution Summer sound but instead of aggressive three minutes splurges they were more inclined to create atmospheric, angular “post-hardcore” like guitar parts. Lead singer Jonathan Vance’s lyrics which during the band’s early period centered on the typical alienation and socially suburban issues found in emo soon evolved to criticize more political and challenging topics which further helped the band to expand a tiring genre. 'Hate in Me' perfectly captures the movement between the Rites of Spring sound to what would eventually become known as emo.
Moss Icon skillfully brought forth the idea of build-ups and crescendos into the realm of emo. while they certainly aren’t exhibiting the “post-rock” ethics of bands like Slint and Bastro, Moss Icon's experimentation with dynamic hardcore songs helped further define the emo sound. Moss Icon still draws on the Revolution Summer sound but instead of aggressive three minutes splurges they were more inclined to create atmospheric, angular “post-hardcore” like guitar parts. Lead singer Jonathan Vance’s lyrics which during the band’s early period centered on the typical alienation and socially suburban issues found in emo soon evolved to criticize more political and challenging topics which further helped the band to expand a tiring genre. 'Hate in Me' perfectly captures the movement between the Rites of Spring sound to what would eventually become known as emo.
	Hated Every Song (1989) in terms of 'emo' history The Hated essentially bridge the gap between the Rites of Spring sound and the Jawbreaker / Sunny Day Real Estate sound. in my mind that would technically not make them 'emo' as they represent the beginning of the scene that is often mislabeled in popular culture as 'emo'. although the band is often thrown into discussions of Revolution Summer because like Moss Icon they took pieces of that sound and made a much more developed and progressive sound out of it. the intro to this record is so powerful and youthful. 'Promises' is a surprisingly poppy vocal piece. all of the tracks on here are just great, sincere lyrics, tearful yearning from teenagers and lastly The Hated really succeed at pulling off a very original sound that incorporates all of the great trends of Revolution Summer as well as the '80s college rock scene which really helped pave the way for bands like Jawbreaker.
in terms of 'emo' history The Hated essentially bridge the gap between the Rites of Spring sound and the Jawbreaker / Sunny Day Real Estate sound. in my mind that would technically not make them 'emo' as they represent the beginning of the scene that is often mislabeled in popular culture as 'emo'. although the band is often thrown into discussions of Revolution Summer because like Moss Icon they took pieces of that sound and made a much more developed and progressive sound out of it. the intro to this record is so powerful and youthful. 'Promises' is a surprisingly poppy vocal piece. all of the tracks on here are just great, sincere lyrics, tearful yearning from teenagers and lastly The Hated really succeed at pulling off a very original sound that incorporates all of the great trends of Revolution Summer as well as the '80s college rock scene which really helped pave the way for bands like Jawbreaker.
	Breathing Walker Breathing Walker (1990) first off, Breathing Walker is essentially Moss Icon. a couple of songs on this song are basically lengthened versions of the Moss Icon songs. what is important to note is how expanded the groups vocabulary is on this record. i don't know if i would even consider this album a highlight of the emo scene, but it certainly shows itself as being a precursor to how eccentric the scene would get. violins, two basses, all sorts of weird spoken word sections are thrown around freely all over this record. groups like Portrait and Circle Takes the Square require a little bit of thanks to Breathing Walker for being an early example of how various the template for 'emo' can be.
first off, Breathing Walker is essentially Moss Icon. a couple of songs on this song are basically lengthened versions of the Moss Icon songs. what is important to note is how expanded the groups vocabulary is on this record. i don't know if i would even consider this album a highlight of the emo scene, but it certainly shows itself as being a precursor to how eccentric the scene would get. violins, two basses, all sorts of weird spoken word sections are thrown around freely all over this record. groups like Portrait and Circle Takes the Square require a little bit of thanks to Breathing Walker for being an early example of how various the template for 'emo' can be.
	Heroin All About Heroin (1991) [EP] Heroin is important to the history of emo because they simplified the methods that were being used to deliver the genres sound in the early 1990s. combining the chaos and dynamic nature of bands like Indian Summer and Navio Forge, Heroin was able to create a sound that was powerful and building yet short and aggressive in the way the first wave of hardcore had been. Heroin’s vocalist raised the bar on “emotional” singing turning his voice into a screech of pure pain and sadness which perfectly complimented his obscurely personal lyrics. not only simply impacting the emo scene during their existence Heroin also heavily impacted the hardcore scene at large with their unique and incredibly innovative style of playing.
Heroin is important to the history of emo because they simplified the methods that were being used to deliver the genres sound in the early 1990s. combining the chaos and dynamic nature of bands like Indian Summer and Navio Forge, Heroin was able to create a sound that was powerful and building yet short and aggressive in the way the first wave of hardcore had been. Heroin’s vocalist raised the bar on “emotional” singing turning his voice into a screech of pure pain and sadness which perfectly complimented his obscurely personal lyrics. not only simply impacting the emo scene during their existence Heroin also heavily impacted the hardcore scene at large with their unique and incredibly innovative style of playing.
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	Jawbreaker Bivouac (1992) Jawbreaker and their “scene” counterparts Sunny Day Real Estate were relatively popular members of the early 1990s punk and alternative rock movement. different from NOFX and Green Day in that Jawbreaker took what was considered indie lyric methods and applied them to a punk rock environment. punk had always had a tendency to be pretty personal music but Jawbreaker was like bridging The Smiths with The Descendants, very sincere and very catchy music. both SDRE and Jawbreaker vocal techniques were much rougher than the unpolished yet still accessible vocals of Green Day and NOFX. Jawbreaker’s song topics of drug addiction and more serious issues helped get them branded as emo in critical circles. the bands certainly didn’t have anything in common with the underground emo scene at the time which was actually based in hardcore and not pop and punk. while Jawbreaker and SDRE should be considered emo by any means they are the precursors of what is commonly mislabeled as emo in today’s mainstream and that is why they hold a place on this list.
Jawbreaker and their “scene” counterparts Sunny Day Real Estate were relatively popular members of the early 1990s punk and alternative rock movement. different from NOFX and Green Day in that Jawbreaker took what was considered indie lyric methods and applied them to a punk rock environment. punk had always had a tendency to be pretty personal music but Jawbreaker was like bridging The Smiths with The Descendants, very sincere and very catchy music. both SDRE and Jawbreaker vocal techniques were much rougher than the unpolished yet still accessible vocals of Green Day and NOFX. Jawbreaker’s song topics of drug addiction and more serious issues helped get them branded as emo in critical circles. the bands certainly didn’t have anything in common with the underground emo scene at the time which was actually based in hardcore and not pop and punk. while Jawbreaker and SDRE should be considered emo by any means they are the precursors of what is commonly mislabeled as emo in today’s mainstream and that is why they hold a place on this list.
	Navio Forge As We Quietly Burn a Hole Into (1993) an incredibly personal and heavy record, few hardcore bands could say they replicate the kind of noisy fury that Navio Forge was prevalent in. contribute this to Aaron Arroyo's pounding bass lines, or Mike Kirsch's insistent background vocals and signature guitar playing. the record has a prevalent sound that can be linked to the San Diego school of though, but also Kirsch leaves his impact on the record as he would on countless other projects throughout the '90s. hence why this record is important, because it helps give some kind of time line of what Mike Kirsch was doing earlier in his career.
an incredibly personal and heavy record, few hardcore bands could say they replicate the kind of noisy fury that Navio Forge was prevalent in. contribute this to Aaron Arroyo's pounding bass lines, or Mike Kirsch's insistent background vocals and signature guitar playing. the record has a prevalent sound that can be linked to the San Diego school of though, but also Kirsch leaves his impact on the record as he would on countless other projects throughout the '90s. hence why this record is important, because it helps give some kind of time line of what Mike Kirsch was doing earlier in his career.
	Mohinder O Nation, You Bleed From Many Wounds, 1896 (1993) [EP] along with Heroin, Mohinder really helped set the groundwork for the Gravity Records sound. this is extremely chaotic and intense hardcore that really has no precursor. Mohinder really helped bring the incorporation of noise and almost metal fastness to the emo sound which in turn made it sound more visceral and also more intense. vocally Mohinder is in the same category as Heroin with their chord splitting screams. a quick, powerful burst of hardcore is what is on this 7" and in a similar way would it reflect Mohinder's existence which was also quick as well as powerful.
along with Heroin, Mohinder really helped set the groundwork for the Gravity Records sound. this is extremely chaotic and intense hardcore that really has no precursor. Mohinder really helped bring the incorporation of noise and almost metal fastness to the emo sound which in turn made it sound more visceral and also more intense. vocally Mohinder is in the same category as Heroin with their chord splitting screams. a quick, powerful burst of hardcore is what is on this 7" and in a similar way would it reflect Mohinder's existence which was also quick as well as powerful.
	Indian Summer Science 1994 (2002) [Compilation] Indian Summer was a band that drew from the musical formula of Louisville’s Slint. combining beautiful and uncomfortable soft parts with epic loud crescendos Indian Summer created sparse, depressing pieces that exploded in emotional release. while the band certainly wasn’t reaching as far into the post-rock genre as emo bands would in the future they certainly were pushing the definition of emotional hardcore during their day. in comparison to other bands during their time Indian Summer’s lyrics are childish at best but musically they are one of the most experimental bands in the first wave of emo.
Indian Summer was a band that drew from the musical formula of Louisville’s Slint. combining beautiful and uncomfortable soft parts with epic loud crescendos Indian Summer created sparse, depressing pieces that exploded in emotional release. while the band certainly wasn’t reaching as far into the post-rock genre as emo bands would in the future they certainly were pushing the definition of emotional hardcore during their day. in comparison to other bands during their time Indian Summer’s lyrics are childish at best but musically they are one of the most experimental bands in the first wave of emo.
Guyver One	second-wave emo '90s hardcore was marked for its incorporation of more metallic tendencies. Converge, 108, Rorschach all of these bands were experimenting with a wall of aggressive sound. emo in turn went through a very similar progression where the music became much heavier, dynamic and more derivative of the aggressive sections of Indian Summer than the poppy side of Rites of Spring.
'90s hardcore was marked for its incorporation of more metallic tendencies. Converge, 108, Rorschach all of these bands were experimenting with a wall of aggressive sound. emo in turn went through a very similar progression where the music became much heavier, dynamic and more derivative of the aggressive sections of Indian Summer than the poppy side of Rites of Spring.
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	Guyver One Guyver-One (1996) [EP] Ultra fast hardcore from San Diego that pretty much encapsulates what Orchid would be all about only five or six years before that band was even a thought. Guyver One represents the brink of chaos that early emo could achieve.
Ultra fast hardcore from San Diego that pretty much encapsulates what Orchid would be all about only five or six years before that band was even a thought. Guyver One represents the brink of chaos that early emo could achieve.
	Maximillian Colby Discography (2002) [Compilation] most of the material on this collection was released around 1995. Maximillian Colby and Indian Summer both borrowed their sense of dynamics from the Louisville scene with Maximillian Colby emulating the style almost entirely when it came to their instrumental decisions. the band was intelligent, rigorous in their composition, and most of all intense. one of the most interesting and certainly original emo bands of the mid-90s.
most of the material on this collection was released around 1995. Maximillian Colby and Indian Summer both borrowed their sense of dynamics from the Louisville scene with Maximillian Colby emulating the style almost entirely when it came to their instrumental decisions. the band was intelligent, rigorous in their composition, and most of all intense. one of the most interesting and certainly original emo bands of the mid-90s.
	Portraits of Past 01010101 (1996) Portraits of Past laid the foundation for "progressive" emo. By this I mean bands like Circle Takes the Square, pg.99, and City of Caterpillar would have no starting point if Portraits of Past had never came out of California in the mid-'90s. Extremely aggressive building off the heavy distorted bass sounds of the San Diego scene and then adding a more ominous feel that would come to be associated with the Bay Area and Northern California. Portraits of Past remain one of the most undated of the '90s emo bands.
Portraits of Past laid the foundation for "progressive" emo. By this I mean bands like Circle Takes the Square, pg.99, and City of Caterpillar would have no starting point if Portraits of Past had never came out of California in the mid-'90s. Extremely aggressive building off the heavy distorted bass sounds of the San Diego scene and then adding a more ominous feel that would come to be associated with the Bay Area and Northern California. Portraits of Past remain one of the most undated of the '90s emo bands.
	Spirit Assembly Welcome to Lancaster County (1996)
	Angel Hair Pregnant With the Senior Class (1997) [Compilation]
	Shotmaker Mouse Ear [Forget-Me-Not] (1996) Shotmaker was one tight band. A trio that played sort of what you'd imagine Unwound would've sounded like had they released more than just a 7" on Gravity. "Mouse Ear" was essentially Fugazi's groove but with a lot more punch. Few albums can claim to be as heavy and groovy as Shotmaker's releases are and their influence on the Canadian scene can't go unnoticed. A beautifully aggressive trio that spat their lyrics in unison like some kind of tortured single unit. Few hardcore bands have any room to talk when it comes down to Shotmaker who are truly one of the most under appreciated groups of the 1990s.
Shotmaker was one tight band. A trio that played sort of what you'd imagine Unwound would've sounded like had they released more than just a 7" on Gravity. "Mouse Ear" was essentially Fugazi's groove but with a lot more punch. Few albums can claim to be as heavy and groovy as Shotmaker's releases are and their influence on the Canadian scene can't go unnoticed. A beautifully aggressive trio that spat their lyrics in unison like some kind of tortured single unit. Few hardcore bands have any room to talk when it comes down to Shotmaker who are truly one of the most under appreciated groups of the 1990s.
	Three Penny Opera 2GTEG25H2G4503344 (1997) [EP] Three Penny Opera kind of encapsulates the way the mid-90s emo scene would kind of progress. they feature an alumni of Shotmaker members and essentially are playing a more 'rock' based version of that sound. as most of the mid-90s band became more based in post-hardcore the next group of emo bands would create a more visceral almost grind based sound that would almost lack the dynamic heaviness that the mid-90s emo bands possessed. this 7" is one of the best examples of the second wave of emo and is just a perfect way to describe that scene.
Three Penny Opera kind of encapsulates the way the mid-90s emo scene would kind of progress. they feature an alumni of Shotmaker members and essentially are playing a more 'rock' based version of that sound. as most of the mid-90s band became more based in post-hardcore the next group of emo bands would create a more visceral almost grind based sound that would almost lack the dynamic heaviness that the mid-90s emo bands possessed. this 7" is one of the best examples of the second wave of emo and is just a perfect way to describe that scene.
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Ethel Meserve	midwest emo combining together extremely angular guitars as well as a penchant for sloppily sung vocals the midwest emo sound was essentially a combination of the punky side of The Hated with the dynamic sense of Indian Summer.
combining together extremely angular guitars as well as a penchant for sloppily sung vocals the midwest emo sound was essentially a combination of the punky side of The Hated with the dynamic sense of Indian Summer.
	Cap'n Jazz Burritos, Inspiration Point, Fork Balloon Sports, Cards in the Spokes, Automatic Biographies, Kites, Kung Fu, Trophies, Banana Peels We've Slipped On and Egg Shells We've Tippy Toed Over (1995) midwest emo disassociated itself with the emo sound by focusing on a more pop oriented base over what was becoming spoken word and crescendo based music. Cap’n Jazz was one of the main bands involved in the midwest emo sound and was known for their nonsensical lyrics, multiple vocalists, and gleeful sound. Cap’n Jazz broke away from the typical melancholy and dark sound of their eastern counterparts and made emo that was more catchy as well as more marketable. Cap’n Jazz is one of the groups that straddled the line between actual emo and the fabricated genre associated with Sunny Day Real Estate ). Although Cap’n Jazz is not a pure emo band, their help in the creation of the midwest emo's sound certainly gives them a place in the evolution of the genre.
midwest emo disassociated itself with the emo sound by focusing on a more pop oriented base over what was becoming spoken word and crescendo based music. Cap’n Jazz was one of the main bands involved in the midwest emo sound and was known for their nonsensical lyrics, multiple vocalists, and gleeful sound. Cap’n Jazz broke away from the typical melancholy and dark sound of their eastern counterparts and made emo that was more catchy as well as more marketable. Cap’n Jazz is one of the groups that straddled the line between actual emo and the fabricated genre associated with Sunny Day Real Estate ). Although Cap’n Jazz is not a pure emo band, their help in the creation of the midwest emo's sound certainly gives them a place in the evolution of the genre.
	Boys Life Boys Life (1995)
	Goodbye, Blue Monday Goodbye, Blue Monday (1996) [EP] Goodbye, Blue Monday is an off shoot of Frail in some form. The album represents that midwest emo sound that is so prevalent in many Pennsylvania bands like Frail and Ethel Meserve. The group isn't as spastic as Cap'n Jazz or Spy vs. Spy instead relying on building up more melodic portions in the style of more indie based groups like Mineral and The Get-Up Kids. Great pretty unknown record though. 'Chicago Coin' is clearly the highlight.
Goodbye, Blue Monday is an off shoot of Frail in some form. The album represents that midwest emo sound that is so prevalent in many Pennsylvania bands like Frail and Ethel Meserve. The group isn't as spastic as Cap'n Jazz or Spy vs. Spy instead relying on building up more melodic portions in the style of more indie based groups like Mineral and The Get-Up Kids. Great pretty unknown record though. 'Chicago Coin' is clearly the highlight.
	Ethel Meserve The Milton Abandonment (1997)
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	Spy vs. Spy Spy Vs. Spy (1998) [EP]
The Khayembii Communique	third-wave emo spawned by the rather eclectic sounds of the variety of second-wave emo bands, a new generation of hardcore groups that embraced much more aggressive and technical. bands began to stray from the hardcore base of their music and begin to employ a variety of progressive techniques. when comparing Indian Summer with City of Caterpillar it is obvious the one that comes off more instrumentally in control.
spawned by the rather eclectic sounds of the variety of second-wave emo bands, a new generation of hardcore groups that embraced much more aggressive and technical. bands began to stray from the hardcore base of their music and begin to employ a variety of progressive techniques. when comparing Indian Summer with City of Caterpillar it is obvious the one that comes off more instrumentally in control.
	Saetia Saetia (1998) Saetia is important to note in the history of em, mainly due to the help the internet provided in exposing them and the genre. Saetia were relatively unknown during their creation but with the help of the internet to hype up their beautiful combination of chaos and soft elegance they became a very popular act in the hardcore scene. basically a lot of people found use this band to fully support their arguments of "true" emo. in that respect they’re probably the most “essential” emo band due to their vast impact and relative popularity. sonically they are sticking with a more embellished version of the Gravity Records sound in their harsh sections, and their soft sections are somewhat like Maximillian Colby's only more "jazzy" in their choice of tones.
Saetia is important to note in the history of em, mainly due to the help the internet provided in exposing them and the genre. Saetia were relatively unknown during their creation but with the help of the internet to hype up their beautiful combination of chaos and soft elegance they became a very popular act in the hardcore scene. basically a lot of people found use this band to fully support their arguments of "true" emo. in that respect they’re probably the most “essential” emo band due to their vast impact and relative popularity. sonically they are sticking with a more embellished version of the Gravity Records sound in their harsh sections, and their soft sections are somewhat like Maximillian Colby's only more "jazzy" in their choice of tones.
	Orchid Chaos Is Me (1999) Orchid along with Saetia have the internet to thank for their success, influence, and popularity. where Saetia took the idea of combining beautiful interludes with the chaotic emo sound, Orchid kind of made a bastard form of emo with a lot of hardcore's tendency to have poppy choruses and chants to accompany their aggression. Orchid’s lyrical style was often very deep, a number of the members going to university in Amherst their place of origin. this certainly helped Orchid grow a flowing in the regular hardcore scene due to their lyrical depth. Orchid's sound was basically Heroin times two with a couple of the extremely aggressive Canadian bands like One Eyed God Prophecy and Union of Uranus having a large impact on their sound.
Orchid along with Saetia have the internet to thank for their success, influence, and popularity. where Saetia took the idea of combining beautiful interludes with the chaotic emo sound, Orchid kind of made a bastard form of emo with a lot of hardcore's tendency to have poppy choruses and chants to accompany their aggression. Orchid’s lyrical style was often very deep, a number of the members going to university in Amherst their place of origin. this certainly helped Orchid grow a flowing in the regular hardcore scene due to their lyrical depth. Orchid's sound was basically Heroin times two with a couple of the extremely aggressive Canadian bands like One Eyed God Prophecy and Union of Uranus having a large impact on their sound.
	You and I The Curtain Falls (1999)
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	Joshua Fit for Battle / Love Lost but Not Forgotten Joshua Fit for Battle / Love Lost But Not Forgotten (1999) [EP]
	I Hate Myself 2 Songs (2000) [Single] I Hate Myself was a Gainesville emo band. their claim to fame seems to be the penchant the band had for satire and how they incorporated it into their image. I Hate Myself played subued hardcore that is reminiscint of Saetia in the angst department. this seven inch is less layered than their other releases and instead is very simple both in composition and production evoking a Mineral type feel. Two tracks are on this record. 'Drama in the Emergency Room' is a slow building track that jumps between loud and quiet dynamics before finally collapsing in the final repetition of "doctor". 'Darren's Roof' is a brooding counterpoint to the more strung out 'Drama in the Emergency Room'. distorted verses make up the majority of the track. the guitar playing on this record always seemed to remind me of Modest Mouse in some ways 'Darren's Roof' especially the track feeling like a more menacing 'Dramamine' both in sound and topic.
I Hate Myself was a Gainesville emo band. their claim to fame seems to be the penchant the band had for satire and how they incorporated it into their image. I Hate Myself played subued hardcore that is reminiscint of Saetia in the angst department. this seven inch is less layered than their other releases and instead is very simple both in composition and production evoking a Mineral type feel. Two tracks are on this record. 'Drama in the Emergency Room' is a slow building track that jumps between loud and quiet dynamics before finally collapsing in the final repetition of "doctor". 'Darren's Roof' is a brooding counterpoint to the more strung out 'Drama in the Emergency Room'. distorted verses make up the majority of the track. the guitar playing on this record always seemed to remind me of Modest Mouse in some ways 'Darren's Roof' especially the track feeling like a more menacing 'Dramamine' both in sound and topic.
	Jeromes Dream Seeing Means More Than Safety (2000)
	pageninetynine Document #8 (2001) pg.99’s combination of Heroin like chaotic sections and even more intense grind like sections caused the band to create some extremely aggressive music in their five year existence. mostly known for their ridiculous member count (it was up to 14 members at one point) and their even more ludicrous live shows pg.99 helped pioneer a more aggressive, chaotic version of emo. some choose to refer to this more chaotic sound as “screamo” one assumes due to the fact the vocalists were no longer singing but basically just tearing their vocal chords to shreds. drawing on the same type of alienation and depression due to social interaction for song topics, pg.99 lyrically is much less flowery and pretentious than other bands around in their day. pg.99’s lyrics evoke the simplicity of Heroin only with a more relationship based slant. pg.99 is just one of the many bands that would in the late 1990s and early 2000s help define a new even more chaotic version of emo.
pg.99’s combination of Heroin like chaotic sections and even more intense grind like sections caused the band to create some extremely aggressive music in their five year existence. mostly known for their ridiculous member count (it was up to 14 members at one point) and their even more ludicrous live shows pg.99 helped pioneer a more aggressive, chaotic version of emo. some choose to refer to this more chaotic sound as “screamo” one assumes due to the fact the vocalists were no longer singing but basically just tearing their vocal chords to shreds. drawing on the same type of alienation and depression due to social interaction for song topics, pg.99 lyrically is much less flowery and pretentious than other bands around in their day. pg.99’s lyrics evoke the simplicity of Heroin only with a more relationship based slant. pg.99 is just one of the many bands that would in the late 1990s and early 2000s help define a new even more chaotic version of emo.
	The Khayembii Communiqué / The Vidablue The Khayembii Communiqué Ten Grand The Khayembii Communiqué / The Vidablue (2002) [EP]
	City of Caterpillar City of Caterpillar (2002) City of Caterpillar is probably one of the most unique and influential emo bands to ever exist in the genre. forming from spare members of pg. 99 City of Caterpillar combined that band's sound with the Godspeed You Black Emperor style of post rock. this combination of dynamic build ups and emotional releases had been flirted with before in emo but City of Caterpillar really showed how far you could push the idea. what is important to note about City of Caterpillar’s influence is they took the importance of a crescendo that was found in post-rock and applied it to the emo sound. this would drastically effect the bands that would come after CoC and has led to some criticism of recent bands being far too typical in the structures of their songs.
City of Caterpillar is probably one of the most unique and influential emo bands to ever exist in the genre. forming from spare members of pg. 99 City of Caterpillar combined that band's sound with the Godspeed You Black Emperor style of post rock. this combination of dynamic build ups and emotional releases had been flirted with before in emo but City of Caterpillar really showed how far you could push the idea. what is important to note about City of Caterpillar’s influence is they took the importance of a crescendo that was found in post-rock and applied it to the emo sound. this would drastically effect the bands that would come after CoC and has led to some criticism of recent bands being far too typical in the structures of their songs.
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Ampere	modern emo today's scene. marked by its extreme experimentalism, its devotion to old, and finally its well defined cathartic release. structures are now all over the place ranging from the fast bursts of wisdom from Ampere or the prolonged progfest of Circle Takes the Square. modern emo is a well versed genre that is based in really only one major universal rule, emotionally poignant hardcore.
today's scene. marked by its extreme experimentalism, its devotion to old, and finally its well defined cathartic release. structures are now all over the place ranging from the fast bursts of wisdom from Ampere or the prolonged progfest of Circle Takes the Square. modern emo is a well versed genre that is based in really only one major universal rule, emotionally poignant hardcore.
	Neil Perry Lineage Situation (2003) [Compilation]
	Hot Cross Cryonics (2003) rising from the ashes of Saetia Hot Cross was a band that pushed the instrumental technique of emo to the limit. while it is easy to confuse the band with the post-hardcore sounds of The Fall of Troy or At the Drive-in Hot Cross’s attention to providing dynamic releases in their songs certainly helped them reinvent the way playing emotional hardcore. the sheer technicality of Hot Cross’s intertwining guitar lines and extremely tight rhythm section help show them as the rare instrumentally proficient emo band. providing the speed of hardcore with the mathy aspects of post-hardcore and the emotional release of emo, Hot Cross was surely a one of a kind band and their sound would eventually bleed into a more post-hardcore direction. 'Cryonics' remains as the perfect bridge between their very aggressive beginning and more song oriented end.
rising from the ashes of Saetia Hot Cross was a band that pushed the instrumental technique of emo to the limit. while it is easy to confuse the band with the post-hardcore sounds of The Fall of Troy or At the Drive-in Hot Cross’s attention to providing dynamic releases in their songs certainly helped them reinvent the way playing emotional hardcore. the sheer technicality of Hot Cross’s intertwining guitar lines and extremely tight rhythm section help show them as the rare instrumentally proficient emo band. providing the speed of hardcore with the mathy aspects of post-hardcore and the emotional release of emo, Hot Cross was surely a one of a kind band and their sound would eventually bleed into a more post-hardcore direction. 'Cryonics' remains as the perfect bridge between their very aggressive beginning and more song oriented end.
	Ampere All Our Tomorrows End Today (2004) Ampere are a group built from the ashes of Orchid and have a sound similar to that group, although the songs have been stripped into 45 second explosions of sound that have lyrics spat over them about a barrage of intellectually charged topics. Ampere is probably one of the most proficient bands I have ever heard their sound can't be easily described and their ethic and devotion to that D.I.Y. spirit is certainly a large part of their existence. kind of a grind influenced emo band that picks up where Orchid left off. excellent group.
Ampere are a group built from the ashes of Orchid and have a sound similar to that group, although the songs have been stripped into 45 second explosions of sound that have lyrics spat over them about a barrage of intellectually charged topics. Ampere is probably one of the most proficient bands I have ever heard their sound can't be easily described and their ethic and devotion to that D.I.Y. spirit is certainly a large part of their existence. kind of a grind influenced emo band that picks up where Orchid left off. excellent group.
	Circle Takes the Square As the Roots Undo (2004) Circle Takes the Square is certainly unique in the emo scene with their heavy incorporation of progressive antics. touching on the technicality of Hot Cross, the dynamic intelligence of City of Caterpillar, and the pure chaotic nature of Pg.99 Circle Takes the Square combines all of the basics of modern emo into one neat little package. “As The Roots Undo” is probably the most popular and widely appreciated emo album of all time as it is loved by metal, punk, and hardcore fans alike. this is really transcending what emo can do and will probably remain one of the most eclectic emo records for a very long time.
Circle Takes the Square is certainly unique in the emo scene with their heavy incorporation of progressive antics. touching on the technicality of Hot Cross, the dynamic intelligence of City of Caterpillar, and the pure chaotic nature of Pg.99 Circle Takes the Square combines all of the basics of modern emo into one neat little package. “As The Roots Undo” is probably the most popular and widely appreciated emo album of all time as it is loved by metal, punk, and hardcore fans alike. this is really transcending what emo can do and will probably remain one of the most eclectic emo records for a very long time.
	Gospel The Moon Is a Dead World (2005) Comparatively there are two big things Gospel seem to have a love for; Yes and mid-90s screamo. Vocally clear indications that Gospel is following in the steps of Northeast bands like Shotmaker or Three Penny Opera. But, instrumentally the band produces a bizarre form of progressive rock with 12-string guitars, synths, and an extremely impressive drummer. No band has or will sound like Gospel.
Comparatively there are two big things Gospel seem to have a love for; Yes and mid-90s screamo. Vocally clear indications that Gospel is following in the steps of Northeast bands like Shotmaker or Three Penny Opera. But, instrumentally the band produces a bizarre form of progressive rock with 12-string guitars, synths, and an extremely impressive drummer. No band has or will sound like Gospel.
	In First Person Lost Between Hands Held Tight (2006)
	Kidcrash Jokes (2007) I don’t really know what there is to say the Kidcrash besides the fact that their record 'Jokes' was the finest emo album of 2007. I guess I could say like they’re a combination of Off Minor’s spazzed out math sound and the early Slint swiping groups like Maximillian Colby. But, Kidcrash really lacks the dynamic persuasion of those bands. It is obvious that the band was formally a big fan of the Kinsella projects and in more appropriate terms the entire mid-west emo sound, but they also seem to riff into heavy chord sections that are reminiscent of the current European emo sound that bands like Daitro and Sed Non Satiata are pushing. I suppose I’ll resort to describing Kidcrash as a band that seems to mesh all of the current trends in emo into one insanely well-made package.
I don’t really know what there is to say the Kidcrash besides the fact that their record 'Jokes' was the finest emo album of 2007. I guess I could say like they’re a combination of Off Minor’s spazzed out math sound and the early Slint swiping groups like Maximillian Colby. But, Kidcrash really lacks the dynamic persuasion of those bands. It is obvious that the band was formally a big fan of the Kinsella projects and in more appropriate terms the entire mid-west emo sound, but they also seem to riff into heavy chord sections that are reminiscent of the current European emo sound that bands like Daitro and Sed Non Satiata are pushing. I suppose I’ll resort to describing Kidcrash as a band that seems to mesh all of the current trends in emo into one insanely well-made package.
Daitro	european screamo extremely cathartic and post-rock influenced screamo has been popping up all over Europe. bands like Daitro and Yage have created a massive scene that almost parallels the U.S. scene. my knowledge of european screamo is a little lacking due to the fact records from europe cost a shit ton. if anyone thinks they can provide a better history, i'd glad take assistance.
extremely cathartic and post-rock influenced screamo has been popping up all over Europe. bands like Daitro and Yage have created a massive scene that almost parallels the U.S. scene. my knowledge of european screamo is a little lacking due to the fact records from europe cost a shit ton. if anyone thinks they can provide a better history, i'd glad take assistance.
	Gantz Les jours se suivent et ne se ressemblent plus (2002)
	Raein Il n'y a pas d'orchestre (2003)
	La Quiete La fine non è la fine (2004)
	Daïtro Laisser vivre les squelettes (2005)
	Sed Non Satiata Le ciel de notre enfance (2005) [EP]
	Suis la Lune Quiet, Pull the Strings! (2006)
	Mesa Verde Amor Fati (2006) [EP]
Jeromes Dream	my personal favorites. this is list is mainly designed to be a chronology of the progression of sound in emo. alot of the records that are included on the history side of this list aren't some of my favorites, so as a guide to the best records i present you with a variety of my most enjoyed emo/screamo records.
this is list is mainly designed to be a chronology of the progression of sound in emo. alot of the records that are included on the history side of this list aren't some of my favorites, so as a guide to the best records i present you with a variety of my most enjoyed emo/screamo records.
	Off Minor The Heat Death of the Universe (2003)
	Ten Grand This Is the Way to Rule (2002)
	Three Penny Opera 2GTEG25H2G4503344 (1997) [EP]
	Funeral Diner The Underdark (2005)
	John Henry West John Henry West (1993) [EP]
	The Birds Are Spies, They Report to the Trees The Birds Are Spies, They Report to the Trees (2007) [EP]
	Moss Icon Lyburnum Wits End Liberation Fly (1993)
	Jeromes Dream Completed 1997-2001 (2005) [Compilation]
	Shotmaker / Maximillian Colby Split 12" (1995)
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