My Epiphany
Miribilia
(Eyeball/Bardic)
released: May 10
rating: ***

Dang, these guys are on the little Eyeball label? I guess that's impressive for Eyeball, but once you get through even the first solid emo anthem on Miribilia, you'd be sure that My Epiphany were already on a major label, or at least Victory or Drive-thru records. It's not that they sell out to the mainstream and sound all accessible, it's just that this is pretty damn polished and engaging. Oh, and don't be put off by the "emo" tag here. The guitars and vocals sound that way, but the lyrics stretch beyond the boundaries of personal conflicts. Well, most of the time. The synthesizer also helps them stand apart from the hundreds of other post-hardcore/emo bands, including the big ones they've played shows with (Thursday, The Used). Although it doesn't seem totally necessary to use the piano or synth, when they use it for the little interludes and intros it adds something that's just a little bit haunting. -- Kenyon Hopkin

style: Emo
similar: Taking Back Sunday, Straylight Run, Early November, the Movielife