Still not convinced that rock music is making a comeback? Esso is about to set you straight. This Phoenix-based band is shaking up the scene with their brand new ten-track album, Just Like In The Movies, marking the new wave we’ve all been waiting for. In fact, this record hits more like a tsunami, uprooting the greatest elements of pop/rock’s predecessors and whipping them into shape at full speed and full force, ready to sweep you straight to where the party’s at.
Raucous rock comes woven with fresh slices of pop punk, indie, and grunge, layering up this hyper-modern, genre-crossing dessert of a record – addictive from its first listen and capturing a flashback mood that will keep you craving more.
Bold, spunky, as wild and raw as a teenage basement band yet balanced with pure feeling and impeccable artistry, each track on this record feels like an unearthed hit from your favorite pop punk quartet – instantly uplifting, partially haywire, and with a sound that throws you straight back to the millennium’s turn. Esso does a magnificent job of resurrecting that old-school mindset of reckless youth and unrestricted potential; their record is a non-stop jam perfect for blasting at the top of your car’s stereo, or soundtracking the drinking session, riot, or get-together of your choice.
This is melodic punk that you can sing and scream to equally, packed with bright distortions, headbang, and dance-worthy riffs capturing the lightweight side of chaos, and guitar solos that sound plucked straight from the 70s hard rock era. But even within such a solid punk-rock setting, Esso still finds room for some refreshing experimentation, tying a fiddle solo into “Get To LA” and a quirk-clad synth into “Leading Man Syndrome,” amongst other oddities that’ll keep you gripped. It’s perfect for fans of Arctic Monkeys, Blink-182, the 00s emo scene, the 90s underdog scene… You get the mood. And Esso’s take is practically unbeatable.
Just Like The Movies marks the second album from ESSO, but hardly the first musical undertaking from frontman, songwriter, and band founder Jared Mancuso, who boasts a three-album solo project and a second band, Not Fade Away, amongst other musical ventures.
Our verdict: Highly Recommended.
—-
BELOW: Listen to ESSO and check out their music on Amazon, Spotify, YouTube and more. Please support ESSO by visiting their website and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing their music. And, as always, thank you for supporting real music.
(Want to have your music reviewed on The Ark of Music? Click HERE.)
Follow, stream, download & connect with ESSO online:
