Review: The Promise Ring – Nothing Feels Good

The sophomore album by The Promise Ring, called Nothing Feels Good, is largely credited for its influence in starting a wave of movement in the emo genre. The record has now turned 25 years old, so I thought it would be a great idea to revisit just what made this album so damn special. The album was produced by J. Robbins, and the cover art features a shot of Trimper’s Rides in the heart of the boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland. The album title also inspired author Andy Greenwald to use it for his great, comprehensive guide of emo music called Nothing Feels Good: Punk Rock, Teenagers, and Emo that I thoroughly enjoyed reading when it was released. What made The Promise Ring so endearing was their mix of power pop chords paired with a heart on their sleeves approach to their lyrics that led to several quotable moments within their songs. Nothing Feels Good is an endearing collection of 12 slick emo anthems that deservedly earned their time in the spotlight today.

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Jude Flannery – “Stars” (Video Premiere)

Jude Flannery

Today is the perfect day to share the latest single and music video from Jude Flannery called “Stars.” On this heartfelt song, Flannery croons over sweeping instrumentation in a song ready for that playlist you’ve been crafting. Flannery shared:

This song considers the moment we decide to continue to love someone, despite being aware of their more apparent faults. Directed by Marc Zajack and filmed by Alexandra Golden Flannery, the video for Stars is a series of moments accentuated by an abstract narrative that reflects upon the ideas of journey, relationship and connection. Intertwined with each other, these moments emphasize the intimate human experiences that keep us coming back to the connections we make with others over time.

I was also able to catch up with Jude Flannery for a brief chat about his upcoming record called Quiet By Your Side, out everywhere music is sold on October 28th.

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Wesley – “Not Sure That Was Me” (Video Premiere)

Wesley

Today is a great day to share the latest single from singer-songwriter Wesley called “Not Sure That Was Me.” For those unfamiliar with the artist, he would fit in the same vein of fans of Kurt Vile and Arthur Russell. On the latest music video, Wesley shared, “I’ve always really liked those red glowing eyes in movies and things. Like in Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives, and the Cure’s video for ‘Boys Don’t Cry.’ I cut red reflective tape and put it over my eyes. At one point I was standing on the top of a ladder in the dark with tape over my eyes. I wouldn’t want to do it again. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Wesley’s new LP Glows in the Dark, out everywhere on November 11th via Earth Libraries.

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Mortal Prophets – “Me and The Devil” (Song Premiere)

Mortal Prophets

Today I’m excited to bring everyone an early listen to Mortal Prophets and their new single “Me and the Devil.” The album was produced by William Declan Lucey. Band leader, John Beckmann shared, “The songs on ‘Me and the Devil’ are especially poignant and timeless in so many ways. I had to get these songs out of my system because they touched me so much. The lyrics are a form of incantation.” If you’re enjoying the early listen, please consider purchasing the full album on December 9th.

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