These days it's debatable whether the term 'emo' is still valid as a musical descriptor, defined as it sadly is in popular culture by an array of cringeworthy corporate mutilations. However, a plethora of bands have cropped up recently that draw on the better aspects of the genre to make some genuinely imaginative, heartfelt music.
Papayer and Nai Harvest provide evidence of this fact; while both share certain genre elements, neither fall into the trap of following too strictly the template of their influences, and this split EP exhibits two very distinctive acts.
Papayer have a knack for utilising unpredictable structures and abrupt changes in their songs with impressive cohesion. The anthemic opening to Pierre pulls us in and along with the track's emotional twists and turns, as friendships and loves are lamented, before Brand Partnership initiates another winding journey, switching gears between melodic fury and hushed introspection.
Nai Harvest also pack their tunes to the gills with melodic and rhythmic nuances, but in contrast to Papayer possess a more 'punk' feel to their sound, largely attributed to rough-throated vocals that at times resemble Tom Gabel. In Tim Helped Me Get Over It, a spoken-word intro gives way to a driving rhythm and thrashed out chords. Distance, etc. concludes the Nai Harvest side, melding shimmering, wistful melodies with a joyful kinetic energy.
In its four tracks, the Papayer/Nai Harvest split EP is a short, sweet reaffirmation of emo as a genre. Available from November 18, it can be heard at http://papayer.bandcamp.com and http://naiharvest.bandcamp.com
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