Written by Andy Katz

ENTRY

Brutal and just in your f*cking face, ENTRY released their debut record this year, “Detriment” via Southern Lord Recordings. Sara Gregory’s vocal delivery carries a bloodthirsty and pulverizing tone that just unrelenting. The instrumentation on this record perfectly captures that LA hardcore sound, and it’s phenomenal. My personal favorites include “These Feelings” and “Not Your Decision”. Both have super authentic lyrics that appear incredibly personal and candid. This record doesn’t take a breath and doesn’t let up until it’s done and you find yourself on the second spin of it. 

Recommended song: “Selective Empathy”

Iann Dior 

One of the most original and melodious artists in the scene, Iann Dior just released “I’m Gone” this year via TenThousand Projects, based out of LA (also the home of Trippie Redd and Peach Tree Rascals). This record is candid, poignant, and impassioned. Tracks like “Sickness” and “Runaway Kid” evoke a ton of emotion that’s cuddled with melodic beats and grooves among blunt and unequivocally memorable vocal progressions. Start this record from the top and let it play out - you will not turn it down for a second. The album's concluding track, “Prospect” featuring Lil Baby is top tier and finishes this album on a perfect note. Highly recommended that you dive deep on everything Dior is doing.

Recommended song: “Pretty Girls”

Dear Youth 

Incredibly upbeat and catchy as all hell, Dear Youth just released two singles via Anchor 84 Records. The two singles, “Dawned On” and “Dandelions” are rock solid. Bouncy, groovy choruses perfectly lay like smooth icing on a pop-punk cake suitable to satisfy any fan of the genre. I’ve definitely slept on this band. They have another EP that debuted two years ago that was fairly good. Check out “Fair Warning” and “Out of Sight, and Out of Mind” which are absolutely earworms that will not leave your head. Super excited to see this band gain some traction in the genre, and with a great label and getting added to those coveted Spotify playlists, Dear Youth will be making more noise, and I’m ready to listen.

Recommended song: “Dawned On”

Safehold 

Another artist that I’m really getting into, safehold is another up and coming juggernaut in the emo-rap world of the scene. Having released tracks with Convolk (whom I absolutely love), among other superlative singles throughout the last few years, their debut album, “Boyish” is set to release this Friday, July 24th via Mutant League Records. Every single is fantastic. My personal favorite is “LETTHERAINFALL!” which has that early blink-182 inspired riff with a superb vocal performance. It’s an absolute bop. Really stoked on this release. It will definitely be on repeat for me for the summer.

Recommended song: “In Too Deep”

Teenage Halloween

A band I’ve known for years and have seen them grow into one of the most exciting bands in the scene. They have a new EP arriving on September 18th via Don Giovanni Records. The first single, “Stationary” is superbly catchy and driving. I’ve seen this band a ton during my years living in NJ and I’m so incredibly excited for them. This song is a bonafide jam that carries significant lyrical meaning to the band. You can hear it in every word that Luke Hendricks shouts. Without a doubt, Teenage Halloween is one of the hardest working bands in the scene, and I’m so thrilled that they are starting to make an impact. I cannot wait for this record to drop in a few months. They released an EP in 2017 that I highly recommend checking out. Start with “666” and let it ride. 

Recommended song: “Stationary”