When reading a review of a new album I usually stop as soon as I hit the word emo. Even if everything else about the material sounds good, I have to move on. I don’t know why this is. Oh yea, it’s because most emo music sucks. It cannot be related to by anyone but the most jaded high school kid.
That being said, I accidentally listened to Brand New‘s latest album all the way through and I liked it. I liked it a lot. When no one else was within earshot, I would blast this album in my car. This is not your children’s emo. Sure, it has the melody/scream/melody format, but it goes further than that. There are country aspects to it, alternate rock, indie rock, metal, and of course some punk. It’s emo with ADD. Give it a chance. I can’t guarantee you will feel the same way I do about it, but what do you have to lose? Besides your reputation?