The Weak's End

Sounds like … hardcore shrieks combine with emo rock, resulting in something like Korn and Linkin Park meets Dashboard Confessional and New Found GloryAt a glance … there are a lot of good things going on here, but ultimately the disparity between Emery's emo and hardcore sounds keep them from sounding focusedTrack ListingWallsThe Ponytail ParadesDisguising Mistakes with GoodbyesBy All Accounts (Today Was a Disaster)FractionsUntitledBloodlessUnder Serious AttackAs Your Voice FadesThe Secret

A sextet from South Carolina, Emery moved to Seattle (on September 11, 2001 no less) after college to pursue a full-time music career. They quickly caught the attention of Tooth & Nail, signed a deal, and immediately recorded their national debut, The Weak's End.

Pop it into your CD player, and you might wonder why they weren't signed to Solid State, T&N's hardcore sister label. It's because the shrieking is immediate and frequent, but not constant. Emery is first and foremost an emo rock band along the lines of New Found Glory and Further Seems Forever, incorporating the hardcore sounds of Linkin Park or Korn while also countering the three guitarists with keyboards, occasionally giving the music a softer pop or jazz sound. The singing and lyrics are especially emo in style, alternating between somewhat obtuse expressions of faith with Dashboard Confessional-styled romantic angst.

The result is one of those bands that's probably too loud for the average modern pop/rock listener and too melodic for hardcore fanatics. Though some will appreciate the attempt to be unique, it feels like Emery is loosely tying together two or three popular styles without fusing them. The range is just too disparate, and it might serve Emery better to lean more toward either the hard or soft side. A fairly good debut that loses half a star for lack of focus, which will likely limit their short-term audience potential. But don't write these guys off yet.