The third studio album from Barely Civil, called I’d Say I’m Not Fine, takes a dramatic leap in their artistic growth and highlights the young band’s ability to fully realize their vision for their music. When I last caught up with the band to discuss the new record, they explained that the title of the record, and the song titles themselves, complete the statement of “I’d say I’m…” This creative approach to each of the tracks connects the LP in a way that is sure to keep longtime fans of the band engaged, and for new fans to discover one of the best albums to be released this year. I’d Say I’m Not Fine is a gripping listening experience, it takes listeners on a thrilling ride, and still leaves plenty of room for people to make their own interpretations on these songs. While Barely Civil did an outstanding job of paying homage to the artists they were influenced by on their sophomore record, I’ll Figure This Out, this album blows away all expectations from this talented band and cements them as one of the marquee acts in the emo scene.

Barely Civil would be hard-pressed to find a more aptly titled moniker for their sophomore record as they explore the quest of discovering what it means to let go of the parts of themselves that no longer fit and move forward in this crazy thing called life. I’ll Figure This Out in many ways is an investigation into what it means to belong to something bigger than yourself, and finding ways to cope with both the good and bad that comes up. The album was produced by Chris Teti (TWIABP, Fiddlehead), and he does a masterful job of getting the best out of the band. The record’s highs seem bigger and brighter, whereas the lows of the LP hit home harder and have a lasting impact on the listener. The Wisconsin-based band have created a record that comes at a perfect time, as it will likely carry us through the uncertain fall and winter seasons as we say goodbye to this abysmal year.