We Do What We Muffin

Post-hardcore/screamo veterans Emery have been around for nearly a decade. They have a total of five full-length albums and four EPs under their belts, they’ve managed to maintain a fairly stable set of members, and they’ve tried to keep developing their sound with every release. However, fans were unsure of what would happen to the band when long-time vocalist Devin Shelton decided to step down and go be with his family. However, Devin’s co-vocalist Toby Morell stepped up and stated that the band wasn’t going anywhere, and had been moved to Solid State Records – Tooth and Nail’s heavier branch.

As soon as I found that out, my excitement jumped. I loved how heavy Emery sounded on “Walls” from their debut album and on most of In Shallow Seas We Sail, so hearing them state that this album would be their heaviest to date had me quite hopeful – and Emery did not disappoint.

“The Cheval Glass”, the first single and album opener, kicks things off with a bang. Josh Head’s screams are just as strong as they were the first time I listened to “Walls”. Toby has stepped up to full lead vocalist and he has no trouble filling that slot, in addition to holding some guitar duties. Matt Carter hasn’t lost his touch on the guitar, Head keeps working the keyboards nicely, and Dave Powell does a great job on the drums. Track two is “Scissors”, which continues the pattern of mixing Head’s screams with Toby’s impeccable singing voice. Carter has fallen in line with the heavier sound and is obviously comfortable with it. “Anchors” has a slightly atmospheric opening with Toby singing, soft guitars fading in and out, and Powell hammering away on the toms before the screams layer over the melody for a beautiful contrast. Things appear to slow down a little more with “The Curse of Perfect Days”. Clean guitars paired with Toby’s vocals provide a short diversion from Emery’s newfound sound. It is only a short diversion, as the track kicks into full post-hardcore mode for the duration.

“You Wanted It” might have the heaviest intro Emery has ever written. Discordant guitars, Head’s screams, and pummeling drums hit you hard before Toby’s cleans come back. However, his melodic style vocals pair nicely with the hard-hitting feel of the track. Josh Head’s screams really get a workout on this album, more so than anything they’ve ever written, and “I'm Not Here For Rage I'm Here For Revenge” makes sure to keep him on top of his game. “Daddy’s Little Peach” has a little alt/pop-rock flair to its verses, but the chorus reverts back to their new sound. They continue meshing the alt-rock sound with the post-hardcore with “Addicted to Bad Decisions” for yet another catchy track. The last two tracks on the standard edition slow things down considerably. Both “I Never Got to See the West Coast” and “Fix Me” (which was written by Devin Shelton before he left the band) take on an indie/acoustic form. This transition closes things up nicely for the regular version of the album.

“Crumbling” uses Emery’s full repertoire of tricks to give you a track that is definitely a welcome addition to the album. The second bonus track is just an acoustic version of “The Curse of Perfect Days”, which gives the song a very different atmosphere.

Emery’s newfound heavy sound is more than welcome in my opinion. They’d hinted at it in previous albums and songs, but with their backing by Solid State, we can hope that they keep moving in this style. Be sure to pick up We Do What We Want.