First Day Back: Forward: Black Vinyl LP

A self-released DIY debut that sold out everywhere it landed, Forward is finally available at retail — and we managed to secure a small quantity before it disappears again.

A band born in the forests of Santa Cruz, California, First Day Back is a group of college students brought together by a shared devotion to 1990s emo — and Forward sounds exactly like that origin story. Heralded as rightful torchbearers of second wave emo, the band draws on the vocal exasperation of Cap'n Jazz, the twinkle of American Football, and the youthful exuberance of Braid, while pushing the sound forward with organic additions of violin and harmonica that set them apart from virtually every band working in this space right now.

A tight nine-track love letter to the bittersweet nostalgia of the 90s emo sound — sprawling, abrasive yet entrancingly melodic guitars over catchy basslines, backed by flexible, punchy percussion and bewitching violin melodies, wrapped with consistently brilliant songwriting. Pitchfork gave it an 8.1. Following breakout, sold-out tours with Algernon Cadwallader and Everyone Asked About You, the buzz has only grown. Over 2,600 glowing RYM ratings and rave coverage in Alternative Press back it up.

A love letter to the past, post-dated well into the future. Grab one while you can.