If you’re a diehard midwest emo fan like I am, every time of the year is a good time to kick back with a good emo album. But when the autumn rolls around, there is no better time to throw some of these incredible albums on.
Please be warned that some of these albums do deal with heavy subject matter, so take the time beforehand to do some research on the content of each album.
As You Please by Citizen
Toledo-based Citizen has become one of my all-time favorite bands in the last couple of years. While any piece of their discography could be your soundtrack for a chilly autumn night, As You Please features a peak mix of frontman Mat Kerekes’ emotional vocals, powerful shoegaze-y instrumentals, and poetic lyrics that are diverse yet cohesive. I recommend the songs “Jet”, “Medicine”, and “World”.
Be Nothing. by Boston Manor
Straddling emo and punk rock sounds, Blackpool’s Boston Manor know how to make a gut-wrenching album. Their debut album Be Nothing pulled no punches in showing off raw lyricism and experimental rock sounds. Perfect for blasting in the car and screaming along to, I recommend “Laika” and “Cu”.
What To Do When You Are Dead by Armor For Sleep
This is a concept album following a man who has died, and his attempt to reconcile a failed relationship from the afterlife. With a spooky theme, spectacular music and a recent 15th anniversary edition with bonus tracks, WTDWYAD is perfect for spooky season. I recommend listening to the entire album, because it is that good.
Home, Like Noplace Is There by The Hotelier
Another all-time favorite of mine, The Hotelier’s Massachusetts sadness bleeds through every song here. Tackling difficult subjects from identity to addiction to loss of a friend, every song contains a signature sadness alongside some of the most beautiful instrumentals in modern emo. If you’re in need of a cry, I recommend throwing on “In Framing”, “Housebroken”, or “Your Deep Rest”.
You’re Gonna Miss It All by Modern Baseball
If you want to get in your feels but you don’t have much time, MoBo’s classic album clocks in just under 30 minutes. Featuring emo classic “Your Graduation”, if you’re in need of a mix of love songs and out-of-love songs, this album is perfect for you. I also recommend checking out “Two Good Things” and “Broken Cash Machine”.
Finelines by My Vitriol
With guitars reminiscent of My Bloody Valentine but a unique nu gaze sound all the same, those who want a gauzy album that blends screams, clever lyrics and second-to-none sound, Finelines should be your go-to fall album for just about every occasion, although I recommend listening to it late at night with the window open for perfect shoegaze feels.
I hope these suggestions liven up your late night feels playlists this season. Each of these albums and bands are all amazing in different ways and I hope you’ll explore them and give yourself a taste of what the world of emo music has to offer while our days get shorter!