I’m of the plaid shirt, skin tight jeans, carabiner key chain, studded hip belt era of what I used to call “emo indie rock” aka screamo, and I know a genre comeback when I see one. And I’m not mad at it! The PNW had a thriving screamo scene, and while I was immersed in what was happening here, LA QUIETE was defining the screamo genre overseas. This Italian band changed the game with their 2004 record La Fine Non è La Fine, and now it’s gotten a remaster on vinyl, cassette, and CD via Persistent Vision — get it here. La Fine Non è La Fine is an epic record, swelling sonic chaos and piercing emotional melodies, the kind of music that I never knew if I wanted to laugh or cry to, because I could do either. Whatever the case, this music has always made me feel, which is why I called it emo before that term was corrupted by the next generation. La Fine Non è La Fine is a masterpiece and must be listened to in one sitting, so make sure you cop one of the remaining vinyl. They’re getting ready to play the 2025 Venezia Hardcore Fest on May 16th and 17th, and Rome on May 18th — info here.
