Most of us went through an emo phase. That stage was punctuated by studded belts, side fringes and pop-punk. The music was the main driving force behind the fashion and some of the artists that rose to the surface during then have made it much further since. One such band is A Day To Remember. And, for better or worse, they’re a reminder of the time. 

When you listen to their more recent offerings, you do so with a part-adult, part-teen mentality, considering which tracks you prefer now, in the modern era, and which would’ve hit the nail on the head in your youth. But that’s what makes new material from A Day To Remember so decent — it sort of rings true of the rock-meets-emo standard, with today’s alt rock spin. 

Their 2008 albums, ‘For Those Who Have Heart’ (which was reissued) and ‘Old Record’, stuck to that familiar emo blueprint, and it did its job. But, after which, I can’t say I’ve listened to much more of theirs than the odd song. The difference now? I’ve been re-rinsing a bucketload of former favourites from that period, so their 2021 release piqued my interest. 

It’s got some catchy numbers, that’s for sure. And I wasn’t expecting the sugary notes of ‘Bloodsucker’. It’s a pinch of Fall Out Boy, a smidge of Panic! At The Disco and then the rest is theirs, wholly. But if pop bops aren’t what you’re here for, proceed tentatively… 

‘F.Y.M.’ has a rockier vibe — palm-muted strings, key changes, the full shebang. Punchier still, drilling drums kick ‘Resentment’ into the album’s flow, where softer verses clash with a much rougher chorus. It’s still got that pop sheen, but you can detect much sharper edges to the shape of this tune. ‘Permanent’ is another worth mentioning, which is heavier than the others I’ve pulled out, though there’s an energy you’d know from Blink-182 and elements that aren’t dissimilar to The Automatic (think back to that monster coming over the hill). There’s even a hint of screamo at around 2:29. 

So, if you’re generally looking for an extension to your moody, emo-rock album collection, this latest ADTD record will slot in well. It’s worth even just a quick spin, if you’re curious.