ALBUM REVIEW: Bottom Bracket – I’m So Afraid Of Where

’…certain to have secured their place on plenty of end of year lists with this brilliantly energetic, surprisingly tender, and ceaselessly catchy record…’

Heralding from Chicago, Bottom Bracket released their debut EP all the way back in 2017, and their debut EP followed on in 2020. Since then, the three-piece have been steadily making a name for themselves on the DIY circuit, with clear support from not only fans of the genre, but fellow musicians involved in the scene; whilst the DIY community is known for its sense of community, the anticipation and hype surrounding Bottom Bracket has been particularly notable.

All of this has been building in the shadow of the band’s sophomore record, ‘I’m So Afraid Of Where‘. With the brilliant lead single ‘Rainbow in the Rear View‘, the album already cemented itself as a must listen for fans of emo and pop-punk, and that continued with the follow-up single ‘Unsavoury‘. Now that the record has released, the answer to whether the hype was valid can be answered, and in short, the answer is a resounding yes.

‘I’m So Afraid Of Where‘ isn’t a revolutionary, game-changing work of art, but the album never intends to be. Instead, what Bottom Bracket have provided is a snappy, cathartic, and spirited break-up album that brings infectious melodies, noodling guitar riffs, and playful gang vocals. Furthermore, whilst it certainly can provide the perfect soundtrack to romantic heartbreak, the witty and earnest lyricism from Bottom Bracket keeps the tracks feeling thematically versatile and relatable; it’s easy to perceive it as a break-up from friends, family, or circumstance.

The pinnacle of this does come in the form of the aforementioned lead single ‘Rainbow in the Rear View‘. From the ridiculously infectious vocal melodies, to the lyrical hooks that practically force you to singalong (‘I could take the easy the route and come back to you/But fuck that, I’m gonna see this through‘), even if you’re in a wonderfully happy place in life, this track will make you want to hop into the nearest vehicle and drive off into the sunset in a blaze of cinematic catharsis.

That’s not to say that this is a singles record; the quality of the deep cuts on this release is always high, maintaining a cohesive pop-punk core whilst flirting with midwest emo and math rock in varying measures. ‘Great Lake Jumper’ packs a killer gang-vocal breakdown in the back half, whilst ‘Camouflage’ features some gorgeous guitar licks and a lovely sense of ebb and flow.

Even the slower moments manage to carry some wonderful impact, particularly with the gorgeous ‘Swivel’. Minimalist guitar work collides with some truly shiver-inducing vocal work, especially during the choral climax of the track. As much as this record embodies a ‘fuck you’ mindset, the cracks of vulnerability and love show through this veneer.

‘I’m So Afraid Of Where’ isn’t a perfect record, but it is the perfect record for your emo autumn listening. Bottom Bracket are certain to have secured their place on plenty of end of year lists with this brilliantly energetic, surprisingly tender, and ceaselessly catchy record that perfectly captures the feeling of moving on. Whether a bike ride in the fall, or a long drive in the summer sun, this is a soundtrack you’re guaranteed to revisit.

RATING: 77/100 – Mostly Very Good

For Fans Of: Origami Angel, Fall Out Boy, saturdays at your place, tenmonthsummer, Kerosene Heights

Physical copies are available to purchase here.

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify // Twitter