I usually try to avoid paying attention to the “RIYL” that many emails tend to include. I know that it’s an easy point of reference for up-and-coming artists to draw comparisons to them, but I prefer to let the music do the talking (for the most part). When I began reading about Gainesville, FL band Dikembe however I noticed several RIYL bands that caught my eye: Hey Mercedes, Texas Is the Reason, and Moneen. It’s been years since I thought of those great sophomore era emo bands. So yeah, that got my brain buzzing.
Listening to the band’s album Broad Shoulders, those comparisons and influences are fully realized. Heavy, distorted guitars create a full sound on which the vocals feel free to bounce around on. They are themselves, a large part of what that “emo” tag sticks to. The raw, impassioned singing and catchy singalong melodies really seal the deal for me and remind me of why I listened to music like this all through my high school years. So into it.
You can pre-order the album now from Tiny Engines. If you act quickly you can have your choice of vinyl color: dark orange, light brown, or clear with blue smoke. I want one of each, man!
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