10 Post-hardcore Songs for Your Early Emo Playlist

Post-hardcore is a broad genre that includes harsh instrumentals, catchy melodies and everything in between, allowing everything from Fugazi to Hawthorne Heights to fall under this umbrella. The bands on this list never saw mainstream success, but they're a little more accessible than pure hardcore or screamo groups. If your rock playlists need a revamp, here's what you've been missing out on.

1. Aren't You, Angel? by Indian Summer

"Aren't You, Angel?" comes from Indian Summer's 2019 compilation album, Giving Birth to Thunder. This track starts with a fuzzy recording, then launches into a cacophony of dark, intense music and strained vocals. As the narrator repeats, "Aren't you my angel? Aren't you my angel, dear?", his desperation builds until he finally concludes, "I missed you, now I'm falling down."

2. For Meg by On The Might Of Princes

"For Meg" is the final track on On The Might Of Princes' 2001 album, Where You Are And Where You Want To Be. After setting the stage with snippets of film dialogue, the narrator repeatedly assures the listener, "I'll scream it, your ears bleed, you'll always have a friend in me." This could've been a generic motivational speech, but exquisitely layered instrumentals turn this track into a lustrous soundscape.

3. East Bunk Hill by Anascara

In 2002, Anascara wrapped up their career with a compilation album: Discography 1994-1997. "East Bunk Hill," the first track on this record, starts with subdued notes before leaping into the heartbreaking story of a soldier losing a war. With a blend of pained shouts and delicate, lulling moments, this song captures the shock and unpredictability of fighting on the battlefield.

4. Okay, You Can Be Tigers, But No Crashing by Newfound Interest in Connecticut

"Okay, You Can Be Tigers, But No Crashing" comes from Newfound Interest in Connecticut's 2005 release, Tell Me About The Long Dark Path Home. After a slow start, the track starts to build momentum as it takes you through a grungey, enigmatic journey that reflects the illustration on the album cover: trees standing against a stark winter sky. Glittering instrumentals and gasping breaths near the end bring this track to its inevitable conclusion.

5. No Has Never Had Three Letters by Kodan Armada

In 2004, Kodan Armada delighted fans with Collection, which includes songs and short recordings. The second track, "No Has Never Had Three Letters," features spoken lyrics that address the pain of confronting toxic masculinity and watching a loved one recover from sexual assault. In the end, the narrator pleads, "It never ends, this brutal cycle. Please take her tears away, please make her whole again."

6. Jackson Hole, Wy by The Summer We Went West

"Jackson Hole, Wy" is the second track from The Summer We Went West's 2005 album, Following The Holy Moon Goddess. Sad and heartfelt, the song discusses a breakup that ends with the vocalist hoping he can meet his former partner again--not to apologize, but to "let you know I'm still dramatic and pitiful." Strained vocals and somber arrangements make you feel like you're watching this scene unfold firsthand.

7. Witch Hunt Scene from Star Trek by Angel Hair

After releasing one album and a few split EPs, Angel Hair dropped their compilation album, Pregnant With The Senior Class, in 1997. "Witch Hunt Scene from Star Trek" gets right to the point, telling a story of wealth, violence and revolution. This short, brutal track barely gives you time to breathe--but war is supposed to be messy.

8. Again You Wake Under Dawn's Uncertain Light by Seeing Means More

After forming in 2002, Seeing Means More temporarily broke up before reforming in 2003. In that same year, they released Guest House Demos, which includes "Again You Wake Under Dawn's Uncertain Light." This track blends screamo and spoken-word lyrics, with gothic arrangements serving as the perfect backdrop. After a tumultuous journey, the track goes quiet, leaving you to contemplate the statement it just made.

9. The Sorting That Evens Things Out by Nuzzle

"The Sorting That Evens Things Out" is the start of Nuzzle's 2000 compilation record, Junk of Myth '92-'95. Harsh and dramatic, this track pulls no punches as it dives into shouted vocals and grinding, brutalist arrangements. After an instrumental break, the track turns back to rough textures before it drifts into quieter vibes, implying a sudden change in mood. A song like this might help you vent some rage.

10. Midori by Gauge

Hailing from Chicago, Gauge was a fairly prolific band that released multiple albums, singles and EPs, including 2000's I. The record features "Midori," which takes a softer approach to post-hardcore. Throughout the track, the restrained vocals occasionally pause to let the music shine through, allowing the arrangements to speak for themselves.

Have you listened to any of these bands before? If not, which post-hardcore groups are your favorite? Let me know in the comments.