Midwest emo

Midwest emo
Other namesMidwestern emo
Stylistic origins
Cultural origins1990s, Midwestern United States
Typical instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • bass
  • drums
Derivative formsEmo revival
Other topics

Midwest emo (or Midwestern emo[1]) refers to the emo scene and/or subgenre[2] that developed in the 1990s Midwestern United States. Employing unconventional vocal stylings, distinct guitar riffs and arpeggiated melodies,[3] Midwest emo bands shifted away from the genre's hardcore punk roots and drew on indie rock and math rock approaches.[4] According to the author and critic Andy Greenwald, "this was the period when emo earned many, if not all, of the stereotypes that have lasted to this day: boy-driven, glasses-wearing, overly sensitive, overly brainy, chiming-guitar-driven college music."[5] Midwest emo is sometimes used interchangeably with second-wave emo.[6] Although implied by the name, Midwest emo does not solely refer to bands and artists from the Midwestern United States, and the style is played by outfits across the United States and internationally.[7]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference gig was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "In its fourth wave, emo is revived and thriving". 15 August 2018.
  3. ^ Lowe, Robert (February 14, 2013). "Funeral Advantage – Demo (staff review)". Sputnikmusic. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  4. ^ "The History of Math Rock: Part One". 16 August 2015.
  5. ^ Greenwald, pp. 34–35.
  6. ^ "Is Emo Revival Really a Thing?".
  7. ^ ""We Pretty Much Whine About the Same Things": Emo in Asia". Bandcamp Daily. 2016-10-20. Retrieved 2021-03-29.