Records for the Working Class

Vol. 2 (Deep Elm)
by Tim Den

The first three bands on this 19-tracker alone will prove that Deep Elm is the emo label. The main reason is that none of their bands plays the dreaded genre of music without originality, and none of them does it without so much pain that it gives you a hernia. It’s a fucking beautiful thing. Deep Elm’s bands touch you where you hurt the most, then give you a hug and an “it’s okay” pat on the back. They’re like a sympathetic friend who both loves you unconditionally and breaks your heart from time to time, and they appear whenever you press the play button. You need this friend because you feel incomplete without the emotions it provides, but you cringe every time it makes you remember the sour feeling so abundant in your chest. It’s masochistic, but it’s undeniable. Seven Storey Mountain alone will tear you a new one, never mind the unreleased Cross My Heart track (can’t wait for their new one!!! These guys keep getting better and better). All in all, Records for the Working Class Vol. 2 will prove that Deep Elm no longer has anything to prove. There is no better place to beat yourself up, and I love knowing that. Others shoegazing: Appleseed Cast, Camber, Planes Mistaken For Stars, Starmarket, Brandtson, Imbroco, Pop Unknown, Triple Fast Action, Five Eight, Pave The Rocket, Muckafurgason, Walt Mink.
(www.deepelm.com)