Santa Cruz Band Channels '90s Emo Sound

The Santa Cruz quintet First Day Back has emerged, channeling the authentic sound of 1990s Midwest emo with their debut album, "Forward." Remarkably, none of the band members were alive during the decade they so effectively emulate, yet their music captures the essence of that era's foundational emo bands. This homespun collection was recorded entirely from live takes in a Santa Cruz living room, with minimal adjustments to preserve its raw authenticity.

"Forward" eschews modern emo trends like electronic samples and complex structures, opting instead for a full-throated yell and diving into abrasive post-hardcore rhythms. The album showcases brainy guitar melodies and the passionate sing-scream vocal style characteristic of second-wave emo. Each of the nine songs prioritizes mood, with tracks like "Paint" highlighting the evocative interplay between Maggie's violin and the band's guitar fuzz.

Songs like "Us" delve into familial heartache, balancing delicate guitar parts with a roving bassline and vocals that convey deep pain. The band performs with a transparency often reserved for private moments, realizing each disposition fully without feeling melodramatic. Even the instrumental closer, "Upstairs (212)," stemmed from an impromptu jam session intended to capture a contemplative mood.