ALBUM REVIEW: Our Wits – Let Me Join You

‘…keeps you engrossed to the very end, whilst the explorations of grief are done with a wonderfully grounded sense of humanity…’

Originally starting out as the 2014 spoken-word project of vocalist Dean Scordilis, New Jersey screamo outfit Our Wits would go on transform into a fully-fledged four piece, and release a debut LP entitled ‘The Manifesto’ in 2017. Following this, the band would go on to take a break between 2019 and 2024, citing honing their skills and processing the horrors of end-stage capitalism as incredibly valid reasons.

The band would finally return last year, and although the horrors are perhaps more pertinent than ever before, they set to work on their sophomore record. An exploration of grief in all of its many colours, ‘Let Me Join You’ seeks to not only look at those we have lost, but the times and inner-selves we lose across the span of our lives. Whilst never explicitly mentioned throughout the record, the band do this through the lens of the five stages of grief, creating a collage of sounds that range from classic screamo fury, to unexpected lo-fi beats.

Commencing with an ethereal, somber spoken-word introduction in the form of ‘A Dream, Interrupted’, the record then gets around immediately to the job of melting faces. On ‘See You Later’, driving riffs plunge into scratchy chugs whilst percussion carves out sharp, snappy rhythms. Vocals arrive as frenzied screams, unfurling into muted spoken passages, before vaulting once more into a grief-stained rage. The track unpicks itself at the seams as it hauls itself towards a disconcerting and tense climax

‘Truly, A Diminishing Return’ sees mathy, emo-toned riffs dance about a lolloping rhythm that pulls the track forward inch by painful inch. Then, at the midpoint, the track fans out into rays of mournful warmth, as shimmering guitars and pronounced bass melodies expand outwards beneath the distant yet compelling vocals of Scordilis. ‘Why Is It That Only You Were Saved’ arrives as a monolithic and daunting cut, Our Wits rendering the very heavens with this magnificent work of catharsis. Building from smouldering embers of reverb soaked guitars and suggestions of percussion, the track builds towards an immense apex, marked by swaggering crashes of percussion, fractious and furious vocals, and crushing walls of guitar. Then, as if beholding the sun beyond the storm, the track drifts away on a gently bluesy instrumental decorated with birdsong.

‘Haunt Me’ is the desperate clamouring to retain the presence taken from you, this unexpected lo-fi number is truly something beautiful yet gut-wrenching to behold. Synths softly glimmer atop of drum machine beats, as Scordilis begs to be haunted, even if only by a memory. It is here that the band’s vision of the five stages perhaps feels most clear, and permits the rest of the record to be re-contextualised in a moment of elucidation; ‘Haunt Me’ is the moment between bargaining and depression, where the wish for the impossible slowly gives way to the acceptance of the inevitable. From how the track is crafted to its placement on the record, ‘Haunt Me’ is a stroke of musical genius.

Title track ‘Let Me Join You…’ arrives as a surprisingly groovy emo cut, buoyed by bold, bouncing bass lines, and a cruising percussive performance. There’s a sharp vulnerability in the dark humour of lyricism, as Scordilis declares repeatedly that they are ‘tired of burying people [they know]’, and have taken on the role of a ‘grave warden’ in their life.m; the sense of exasperation is palpable. The track sprawls outwards into a lustrous climax segment, Scordilis begging to be permitted the chance to join those they have lost.

For all of its aggression and darkness, ‘Let Me Join You’ makes for a surprisingly accessible screamo record that serves as a fantastic introduction to the scene. Creative musicianship combined with continuously compelling performances keeps you engrossed to the very end, whilst the explorations of grief are done with a wonderfully grounded sense of humanity. Death, as natural as it may be, truly is exhausting.

For those whom have never checked out a screamo record, or perhaps have never quite jelled with the sound, ‘Let Me Join You’ is worth a try. For those who already adore the sound, then this makes for an essential listen, and no doubt a highlight for 2026. Our Wits have achieved something quite fantastic.

RATING: 83/100

For Fans Of: La Dispute, Vs Self, Touché Amoré, Chalk Hands, danger dog

Physical copies are available to purchase at the band’s shows.

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Bandcamp