Never Before Seen, Never Again Found feels like a breath of fresh air for anyone who grew up loving emo but got a little tired of all the self-importance that came with it. The band pulls together the best parts of that elder emo energy—heart-on-sleeve lyrics, crashing guitars, and melodies that actually stick—with none of the overdone angst that just frankly doesn’t really apply to life anymore as a parent with two kids. Their songwriting hits hard because it’s honest, not forced, and taps into that emotional power which feels like a genuine quest to improve rather than a celebration of sadness.
Stylistically Arm’s Length blends Midwest emo and pop-punk roots with touches of post-hardcore and indie rock. One minute they’re driving full speed with tight, fast-paced riffs and singalong hooks, and the next they’re stretching out into more experimental, melodic territory. Through it all, their lyrics remain sharp and thoughtful. It’s that rare debut album where a band hits all the high notes of a well-worn genre but still sounds like they have something new and exciting to say. I can always sign up for that.
Standout Songs: “Overture”, “Object Permanence”, “Tough Love”, “Playing Mercy”, “In Loving Memory”, “Family and Friends”
