’…wonderfully cathartic songs that are perfect for when the world feels against you. It’s a short but very sweet listen…’
Author’s Note: This review is part of Catch-Up Week 2024, in which we check out a couple of projects that slipped under the radar during this past year, before we close out 2024 with the end of year listings! – Ry
“Colorado don’t know how to do no emo” – Shaquille O’Neil, probably.
Arriving on listening services all the way from Denver, Colorado, is the debut EP of Rocky Mountains emo outfit, Skiimo. ‘I’m Lonely, But That’s Okay‘ is a four-track project that provides the perfect introduction to what this three-piece is all about; big melodies, bittersweet lyricism, and the odd anime reference for good measure. The EP certainly remains a hidden gem, but the band managed to produce a limited run of physical copies that sold-out within the day; it’s certain that the emo fans of the world have an appetite for what Colorado has to offer.
‘What a Beautiful Day It Is…‘ layers immensely catchy pop-punk melodies atop of jangly emo riffs, conjuring up bittersweet choruses that beg you to singalong to them. ‘F**k the 309‘ is a surprising contrast to the prior emo anthem, with looping guitars, little lyricism to speak of aside from the titular phrase, and a steady, unwavering groove; the emo core of Skiimo is still present, but explored through the lens of ambient and drone, making for a surprisingly cinematic piece of music, that despite its simplistic nature, manages to grasp the attention of the listener tightly.
‘I’m Still Waiting for My Invite’ returns to a more grounded emo sound, and in the process acts as the highlight of the EP. Between the intricate yet accessible guitar work, brilliantly catchy melodies that are delivered with the perfect lack of polish that emo demands, and cathartic lyricism that demands you sing along at the top of your lungs, ‘I’m Still Waiting for My Invite’ makes for one of the best emo anthems of 2024. It easy to imagine Skiimo one day producing a massive hit in the emo scene, just like saturdays at your place managed with ‘tarot cards’.
What Skiimo offer on this debut EP is four tracks that are simply bursting with heart, charm, and earnestness. This isn’t an outfit trying to revolutionise the emo world, but instead an outfit adding to that world with wonderfully cathartic songs that are perfect for when the world feels against you. It’s a short but very sweet listen that definitely deserves the attention of anyone who calls themselves an emo fan before the year is out.
“I apologise, Colorado”
RATING: 76/100 – Mostly Very Good
For Fans Of: American Football, Modern Baseball, Danger Dog, saturdays at your place, tenmonthsummer
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