Artist of the Day: Again For The Win

Again For The Win was a small band who released a big album and garnered a ton of attention. It was a very make or break album, and the band scored so hard, they were snagged up by Deep Elm very quickly after release, and Bonus Deluxe Version was re-released on Deep Elm, to much acclaim. But we really have to delve - what made Bonus Deluxe Version so good? How did the emo band coming 10 years too late still manage to make it in a genre that died out?

Album Review: Again For The Win - We've Been Here Forever

Album Rating: B+

Our friends from Again For The Win have done it again. After the release of their fantastic debut album, Bonus Deluxe Version, they were tacked onto the Deep Elm roster in wake of their success. Thanks to their own past efforts, their new signing with the label, and the rest of the world supporting their endeavors, they grace us with another very well written album that tips its hat to 90's emo, but looks forwards to the future of alternative rock and vocal post-rock as well. The result is explosive – it has the atmospheric depth of a Hammock record, with the artistic lyricism of a home-grown emo band like Mineral, but delivers each of these with a deft hand; I would go so far as to say that I believe Ace Enders would give a respectful nod to this record, if he picked it up. We've Been Here Forever takes on a swirl of genres, and paints a picture that honors each of its prime components to the fullest.

Artist Of The Day: Again For The Win

Again, For The Win last released an album in 2010, and they have come far since then. Their latest single, "The Legend Of" (exclusively premiered here on MuzikDizcovery), showcased a poppier side of the band, but that definitely does not reflect on the rest of the album. Electronics are much more widely used than before, as well as shoegazey guitar, but the band's 90's emo influenced aggressive indie rock is still prominent throughout the album. The band experiments much more than they did on Bonus Deluxe Edition, as many songs sound nothing like any Again, For The Win material released until now. "Breaking & Entering," "Having Heard Sirens," and "Architects" are the immediate standouts, but the entire record is fantastic.

MuzikDizcovery Exclusive: Again, For The Win "The Legend Of" Stream

Again, For The Win should be one of the prides of Austin, Texas. Combining the sound of 90's emo, piano rock, and punk, their unique sound has brought them plenty of acclaim from those lucky enough to have heard of them. First album Bonus Deluxe Edition has been up for free download on their Bandcamp page, and it is an excellent introduction to Carter Francis' powerful vocals and the rest of the band's immense musical talent. The band has been preparing to record a brand new eleven track album, out early 2012, and decided to release one teaser track beforehand. Synths and backing vocals are just a few of the new tricks that Again, For The Win has brought to the table with this track, the first recorded with a new lineup. "The Legend Of" will be reconstructed and put on the new album, but the current version can be exclusively streamed below.

Again, For The Win - Bonus Deluxe Version

Deep Elm: If you want the next She Bears or Les Sages, you need to sign this band now. Again, For The Win may seem like an immature name, but the music is anything but that. In fact, out of all the small bands I've been told to listen to over the past few months, these guys may be the best. Taking ideas from The Get Up Kids and Moving Mountains, the band has created an extremely strong modern emo album. Lead singer Carter Francis has a delivery reminiscent of Cap'n Jazz, especially in the extremely powerful and personal closer "I Saw Jesus". The band is extremely talented at pretty much every instrument, with the drumming and keys at the forefront of the assault in "The Coolest Dude At The Lake". The band throws a curveball with "The Chill Pill", an ambient chillwave track that is simply a peaceful interlude before the band returns to their usual, impressive indie-rock tracks. "Here Or It Didn't Happen" has Francis singing at his most serene, supported by a female vocalist and the impressiveness of rhythm section, strong enough to make even a grown man cry. Again, For The Win brings the honesty and sincerity back to emo music not seen since the late 90's, and creating a debut that shows only greatness ahead.
Download this incredible album on Bandcamp for FREE here.