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, start here! List of overseas emo bands (41–50)
Your World Is OverJoshua
A track from Joshua’s first album, “A Whole New Theory,” released on Doghouse Records, which played an important role as an emo label.
The album was produced by J.
Robbins.
Although not widely known, they enjoyed popularity at the time for their delicate songwriting and strong sense of rhythm.
If you want to listen to Western emo music, start here! A list of overseas emo bands (51–60)
LukewarmNew End Original
New End Original is a band formed by Jonah Matranga, formerly of FAR, together with members of Texas Is the Reason.
Their 2001 album Thriller, released on Jade Tree, is a varied work that ranges from bright, poppy tracks to quiet piano pieces.
To Hell and Backblessthefall
If you enjoy intricate guitar work, low-pitched shouts, and heavy beats that feel good to listen to, you might be a fan of screamo bands.
The metalcore elements are quite strong, giving it a solid, weighty feel, but the beauty of the vocals layered on top is pleasing, and that contrast is striking.
It’s a band with a strong, distinctive character in the vocals and instruments—really in everything.
Quality Revenge at LastHey Mercedes
Hey Mercedes is a band formed by three out of four members of Braid, a pioneering group in the ’90s emo scene.
As a result, their sound carries on Braid’s legacy, but this band’s music is more accessible—simpler and more powerful.
In the end, they reunited as Braid in 2013.
At Your FuneralSaves the Day
Saves the Day is a four-piece band from New Jersey.
The song “At Your Funeral” is included on their 2001 album “Stay What You Are,” released by Vagrant Records, known for releases by bands like The Get Up Kids.
The album was produced by Rob Schnapf, known for his work with Elliott Smith.
WantJawbreaker
This is a band led by Blake Schwarzenbach, the melody-maker of the emo scene.
They were active during the early, raw phase of emo, delivering full-throttle passion and gravelly vocals.
Their melodic songs carry a rugged, masculine quality with a bittersweet emo sensibility, and they went on to influence many later bands.
Schwarzenbach would later form JETS TO BRASIL.
A Perfect SonnetBright Eyes
This is a super-emo track by the American indie rock band Bright Eyes, whose performance is, to put it kindly, anything but refined and quite rough around the edges.
What stands out is the vocals, which sound on the verge of tears—once the singing starts, you’re pulled straight into its world.
It’s not a wall-of-noise kind of sound, but it’s overflowing with emotion, so I think it’s definitely worth a listen.