From the press release: “think back to a time when that diverse three letter word had absolutely nothing to do with overwrought teenage theatrics or Hot Topic fashion.” This four track 7” is an ode to the ‘glory days’ of emo, and whilst there’s nothing particularly wrong with a little jaunt back to the late 90’s it does mean that this record doesn’t sound particularly original or vital.
The thing is Philadelphia’s Everyone Everywhere is having fun with a genre, if you’ll pardon the poor lexical choice, obviously close to the heart. Just take a look at that title (one of my favourites of the year). The track that this line is lifted from, ‘Everyhow Everywhere’, is the standout generating an additional facet by incorporating samples from TV/film just under the surface. Musically it’s exactly as you’d expect from the genus it’s paying homage to.
That’s where the problem lies. This record sounds so much like a master template that these four tracks fail to differentiate themselves, not only from other bands out there but from each other song as well. Without a doubt it’s executed well and produced impeccably, but just sounds all too similar. Still, if you’re a fan of the genre there’s no reason that you won’t get a reasonable amount of enjoyment from Everyone Everywhere. If you’re not a fan then there’s nothing here really to sway you otherwise.
Alex