If you want to listen to Western emo music, start here! A list of overseas emo bands
Even when we say “emo,” there are a variety of interpretations.
Sometimes the bands themselves don’t embrace the label, and fans may be divided, but in this article we focused on bands that are widely recognized and loved as emo bands.
When you think of emo, the common image might be introspective lyrics that pour in everyday emotions paired with melodic, dark tunes.
Still, this article highlights a broad range—from bands leaning more alternative to those closer to pop-punk.
From the timeless staples to the hidden gems, we’ve selected many bands, so be sure to give them a listen!
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If you want to listen to Western emo music, start here! A list of overseas emo bands (61–70)
California GurlsEskimo Callboy
Eskimo Callboy is a screamo band with a one-of-a-kind sound that refuses to play by the rules.
The core of their sonic identity is the bleepy, chiptune-like synthesizer.
It’s wildly fun—the dramatic fusion of two contrasting personalities creates a sound that feels like a disco hijacked by a screamo band.
Don’t miss their playful music videos, too.
Good Morning ProvidenceGloria Record
This is a song included on The Gloria Record’s 2002 album “Start Here.” The Gloria Record was formed by Chris Simpson and Jeremy Gomez, former members of Mineral.
The band’s sound seems to take the aesthetic beauty Mineral possessed and render it on an even grander scale.
Good Friends, Bad HabitsOWEN
Owen is the solo project of Mike Kinsella from Cap’n Jazz and American Football.
The sound—delicate acoustic guitar intertwined with a conversational vocal delivery—is extremely pleasant to listen to.
The Kinsella brothers are a bit eccentric, but I think the younger one is still a little more normal.
Crown of the ValleyJets to Brazil
After JAWBREAKER disbanded, vocalist Blake Schwarzenbach formed this band with former members of Texas Is the Reason, and they became a flagship act for JADE TREE, a label synonymous with emo.
The 1998 album “Orange Rhyming Dictionary,” which features this track, is a classic of the genre.
It was produced by J.
Robbins.
The ResolutionJack’s Mannequin
Formed in 2004 as Andrew McMahon’s solo project, they disbanded in 2012 but reunited in 2016 for the 10th-anniversary tour of their debut album.
As a representative piano rock band, they are notable for powerful piano melodies and McMahon’s refreshing vocals.
This song makes you reflect on what it means to live and to exist.
