It’s hard to know exactly what “emo” means these days. A recurring compliment paid to Santa Cruz’s First Day Back is that their music has what the scene’s been missing for a while. They pay homage in name to Midwest legends Braid, and in sound to countless 90s groups that DIY elders reference with a “back in my day” disclaimer. People are calling them “real emo,” an oft-misattributed term that not only discredits the thriving screamo community, but can inaccurately attribute the band’s appeal to their differences from most modern bands. Wherever your subgenre allegiance lies, these songs are just plain good—it doesn’t matter who they are or aren’t like. 

Released in June, Forward, their first full-length, is entirely cathartic. Its non-threatening intensity is the result of pretty impressive introspection for a group of college-aged kids. You can’t help but smile when you hear it, so broad that your cheeks hurt. But even in its most danceable moments, like “Moving Out” and “Twelve Mile Train Tracks,” the experience isn’t totally feel-good—it’s more akin to feel-better. A standout is “Us,” sung with such intensity that the brain can insert imaginary gang vocals, mimicking recitation from a crowd that’s desperate to put the pieces back together in their own lives. 

They benefit from evocative violin, letting two guitarists play clever parts that serve a purpose—holding off on riffs until they really count, and leaving room for sticky basslines.  in harmonica and tambourine even make appearances. Combined with tight drums and an unprocessed dryness, there’s a balance between technical edge and dynamic passion. Even if you don’t like emo itself, this’ll elicit a reaction.