Esposito
" Last Minute Progress"
(self-released)

Phoenix's own Esposito take a little bit of emo and a little bit of the Smiths and put 'em together to make a whole lot of rock. They're album Last Minute Progress is surprising for a local band. From the opener 'Low to High Dive,' they set the tone, uplifting uncompromising rock songs. The guitars range from angular to melodic, creating an atmosphere of neurosis acted out in song. Mostly though the songs sound like what emo might have sounded like if it had been rooted in depressive eighties music (the aforementioned Smiths, the Cure, Bauhaus, etc.) instead of punk and hardcore. The best song here is the anthemic 'a sill two stories high' with serious rock guitar and a sing along chorus that'll have you shaking you aging fist in the air. And the best part is, you don't have to wait around for them to play live!

-Dan