EP REVIEW: tenmonthsummer – your name is my ocean

‘…‘your name is my ocean’ is a warm embrace, and a reminder that we are not to be defined by what we have suffered…’

Chicago’s tenmonthsummer have been honing their “lakeshore emo” sound since 2023, with the release of their debut single ‘202’. Increasingly beloved by both listeners and peers for their spirited and optimistic take on the genre, the band released their debut EP in late 2024, and have since gone on to work on a split release with Valatie and Background Character, and a Turnover cover complication. Now with those side-quests completed with a resounding degree success, the band have returned to their main plot line with their brand new EP, ‘your name is my ocean’.

A key facet of tenmonthsummer’s music is their unbridled sense of hope; their debut, ‘fate lines’, felt like the indomitable human spirit distilled into midwest emo bangers, buoyed by a spirited, loving optimism. That hopefulness continues to be present on ‘your name is my ocean’, but in a manner that is perhaps more vulnerable; to be indomitable does not mean to be unaffected by the traumas in life, and the strength of the individual is multiplied tenfold by the strength of the community.

Lead single ‘tomar hashi, tomar naam (তোমার হাসি, তোমার নাম)’ opens the EP in a sparkling way, as twinkling melodies wrap themselves around punchy riffs in a celebration of adoration. ‘broken fist in a boxing glove’ borrows loose inspiration from shoegaze, with drawn out riffs and a focus on sculpting soundscapes as opposed to catchy hooks. It works wonders in tandem with vocalist Nish Ahmed’s melancholic performance, as he muses over his exhaustion to keep fighting against the cruelty of the world. The track builds towards a raging, righteous climax, the track’s tempo ebbing and flowing with a palpable sense of exhaustion.

‘is this midwest emo? (alex’s song)’ shifts perspective towards the personal microcosm, and the ways we help and are helped through our traumas by those we love. A glittering midwest emo introduction is carved out by twinkling guitar melodies and gorgeous yet gentle vocal harmonies. The track pauses for a spoken word interlude, as Ahmed speaks of the depth of connection and love felt for another, before the track rallies towards a final, rousing passage. Joined now by the piercing brilliance of trumpets and elevated further by spirited gang vocals, it makes for a wonderful centrepiece for the whole EP, and a true highlight of tenmonthsummer’s work so far.

tenmonthsummer are essential for emo, if only for the fact that their presence is a continual reminder of the importance of loving at any cost. ‘your name is my ocean’ is a warm embrace, and a reminder that we are not to be defined by what we have suffered, but instead the joy we bring. Accompanied by ‘fate lines’, there is a wonderful album’s worth of music begging to be added to your summer listening, and waiting to put a smile on your face.

RATING: 78/100

For Fans Of: Vienna, saturdays at your place, Casey, Origami Angel, Carly Cosgrove

Physical copies of the record are available to purchase here.

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