While navigating a music genre defined for over two decades now, it is interesting to see where new bands take it. Specifically, I’m talking about the Annapolis, Maryland post-hardcore four-piece Again In May.
Their debut EP Feels Like Home released May 7th and trust me, it will become a 2021 favorite. It is a dramatic release statement stacked with 5 heavy hitting songs with roots in emo, pop-punk and genre defying rock.
The whole album sonically bleeds as a suitable balance between low, felt-out dynamic bottoms melded – i.e. the verses in opener “Falling Out” – with recurrent and heavy, ceiling breaking highs, especially in every chorus. There is a piece of musical emotion for everyone here. “Empty Room” was a personal favorite, (big fan of anything heavy!) as it touches their metalcore/rock roots. Expect splitting guitar riffs, meticulous bass lines showered in, a powerful choral melody, and brilliant atmospherics.
Again In May’s single, “Losing Color” is a perfect definitive middle ground to their sound – tight and punchy rhythmic drives, ear-worm choruses, and melodic layering between instruments. Perhaps you gravitate to personal acoustic anthems? Then the album ender “Reverie” is a must listen.
Check out the official music for “Losing Color” here:
Feels Like Home is a robust break-out album for Again In May. The lyrics are ever personal. Each instrument molds perfectly into its respective layer. And the production quality is the professional; immediately you can tell the band cares for their craft. Listening makes me reminiscent of bands like Pierce the Veil, Neck Deep, and Emarosa.
Album Score: 4.3/5