The NY based Emo rockers land right on the cusp of greatness on their second LP.
There are a number of young, up and coming bands in and surrounding the Emo genre. Dubbed 'the Fifth Wave', the bands that make up the movement very in style, sound, and presentation to a pretty big degree. It's easily the most dynamic and diverse group in recent memory, and Stay Inside have pushed themselves right into that mix with their newest release 'Ferried Away.' This is a diverse and exciting record that almost under-stays its welcome.
From the very first track, 'Bon Zs', it's clear that this isn't just your run of the mill emo record, with a heavy and pulsing riff and tasteful use of horns that stands out in a sea of emo horns. Melodically, things almost never go where you think they would, and conventions are defied at every turn. They still manage to find plenty of catchy hooks and choruses, though, with 'An Invitation' being particularly full of them.
There's also an incredible amount of variety on the record. Some moments would right at home in the 2010s post hardcore scene, and just as often they quiet things down, taking on an Indie Rock slant. It's all done well, but with only 9 tracks on offer they only have so many chances to really spread their wings. I really respect and appreciate the band's songwriting ability, with almost every daring choice paying off.
From a production standpoint, the record sounds pretty good if not a little loose, and in the future I'm excited to hear them continue to tighten up and expand their sound and dynamics. The individual performances are all top notch, and the final mix captures them all with relative confidence. Lyrically, themes of regret, loss, and the feeling of scraping by take the lead on most tracks, and they are equally poetic and straightforward. Things never get too introspective or complex, but they are catchy and relatable enough to feel meaningful.
'Ferried Away' is an exciting record, that if anything I wish was just a little bit longer. I'm really excited about where this band is going, and they seem to be destined for greatness sooner rather than later. If you're a fan of Emo/Alternative/Pop Punk music and want to try something that's just a little bit different, this is an easy recommend. I'll definitely be adding it to the rotation, and can't wait to see the continued growth in the future!
Standout tracks: Listen to all 9 tracks!
Comments