Hello! My name's Cheyenne and I’ll be guest-writing this week! I play in Flagstaff’s Toothache and sometimes I play outside when the weather is nice. I love emo! So, I’m very happy Foster is letting me write about an AZ band I am super excited about. Thanks, kid.
It’s been a couple weeks since Phoenix skramz act pneumonia. released their stunning first full-length LP, if only we could read between the lines we have drawn. which has already seen considerable praise and cemented itself as one of the best records to come out of Arizona in 2024.
Since first playing in late fall of 2023, pneumonia. has quickly gained a name for themselves amongst the colorful and lively Phoenix hardcore scene with Berta's piercingly shrill screams and Ari's extremely memorable riffs that are, more often than not, captained by Adam's bass.
if only we could read between the lines we have drawn. feels like a wistful world contained in just seven distinctly enchanting tracks that balance somber and heavy like no one’s business. The album opener, this dead horse sure can run, introduces guitar and bass in complete opposition, playing off the gaps in each others' riffs in a way that fills space so well, you only notice the absence of vocals once they finally burst through.
Jonathan's drums throughout this album have so much personality. Each section is miles different than the last in a way that feels organic and complimentary to every other instrument. Between fast-paced rolls and crash-heavy choruses, the drums feel like the heartbeat of the album, utilizing space as its own canvas and never overstepping.
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| photos courtesy of pneumonia. |
It’s been a couple weeks since Phoenix skramz act pneumonia. released their stunning first full-length LP, if only we could read between the lines we have drawn. which has already seen considerable praise and cemented itself as one of the best records to come out of Arizona in 2024.
Since first playing in late fall of 2023, pneumonia. has quickly gained a name for themselves amongst the colorful and lively Phoenix hardcore scene with Berta's piercingly shrill screams and Ari's extremely memorable riffs that are, more often than not, captained by Adam's bass.
Jonathan's drums throughout this album have so much personality. Each section is miles different than the last in a way that feels organic and complimentary to every other instrument. Between fast-paced rolls and crash-heavy choruses, the drums feel like the heartbeat of the album, utilizing space as its own canvas and never overstepping.
This unspoken understanding between bass and guitar is what really stood out to me most. In softer parts, like during you make the bed you lay in's slower bridge, Adam sets the tone but refuses to be restricted in movement while the guitars still wail. In some heavier, poppier moments like the main riff in these weeds were cut by dull knives, both guitar and bass tote their own version of the riffs that, in combination, feel reminiscent of the best parts of The Promise Ring, Braid, or The Get Up Kids. It's a fun and refreshing sound that doesn’t favor heaviness over groove. In fact, it forces heaviness to take the back seat to groove quite often.
pneumonia.‘s first release serves as a reminder that Phoenix is one of the best hubs in the country for pioneers of emo and hardcore. Each song feels individually loved and purposeful. You can really feel the secret language between all the members through that tact and dedication. They exemplify how the scene is evolving and guiding extremely talented musicians to one another. It's a breeding ground for great and inspired music. pneumonia. Is doing something special here. They have a sound that is patient, wise, and longing until it doesn’t want to be--then it's adventurous, raw, and youthful.
8.5/10
Stream if only we could read between the lines we have drawn..
-Cheyenne
pneumonia.‘s first release serves as a reminder that Phoenix is one of the best hubs in the country for pioneers of emo and hardcore. Each song feels individually loved and purposeful. You can really feel the secret language between all the members through that tact and dedication. They exemplify how the scene is evolving and guiding extremely talented musicians to one another. It's a breeding ground for great and inspired music. pneumonia. Is doing something special here. They have a sound that is patient, wise, and longing until it doesn’t want to be--then it's adventurous, raw, and youthful.
8.5/10
Stream if only we could read between the lines we have drawn..
-Cheyenne
See pneumonia. with Washed, Constance Way, Spokenwords, and my stuffed rabbit on April 6th at Ground Zero Studios.
Also see them with Jockey, Journal, and Feel More Less on April 18th at Ground Zero Studios.
Also see them with The Erased, Dreamboat, and Feed on April 20th at There Space.
Also see them with The Erased, Dreamboat, and Feed on April 20th at There Space.
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