Reviews
"There was a different feeling about Chapter Seven of the Emo Diaries, whether it was the title, the image of Lady Liberty's torch on the cover, the inset of a man huddled in a corner looking for safety, or the fact that this record was dedicated to all those who have died at the hand of terrorism. There is a poignancy that exists in the chapter, which is also heard in the music. Me Against The World is a myriad of sounds and styles from around the world, all collectively displaying an intrinsic skill for crafting songs of beauty, force and passion. I was in the dark about the identities of most these bands, but was pleasantly surprised and impressed. By this point, I only expect to be impressed by a label and a compilation series that is the finest at what it does. Highlights include This Beautiful Mess, one of my favorite acts, and their stirring Racing The Mosaic, as well as tracks from Halifax Code, Drive Til Morning, the incredible Two Weeks From Tomorrow and the closing song from One Starving Day. This is a timeless release from a series that only seems to improve." - Jersey Beat
"Emo Diaries 7: Me Against The World warrants itself to be one of the best comps Deep Elm has put together. Offering up some must-listens, This Beautiful Mess's funky / jazzy bend on emo and standout Drive Til Morning's solo acoustic alt-country trip make this chapter a much more than worthwhile listen. In particular though, One Starving Day's completely amazing, ten minute beautifully destructive dirge might actually be the best here. This is intensity; this is emo; and quite frankly, this is the most devastating thing Deep Elm has put on an Emo Diaries comp yet. The rest of the material presented here is cream of the crop as well. There's not a bad track to be heard, and it's the more diverse take on sounds here that makes Chapter 7 easily one of the best." - Delusions Of Adequacy
"Nestled within The Emo Diaries Chapter 7: Me Against The World are some powerful songs, revealing that Deep Elm is still committed to releasing inspiring material from worldly talent. Tabula Rasa starts off brimming with strife, pitting distorted riffs against brittle vocals with great success. Waterpistol alternates between poised guitar drama and a full frontal assault, pummeling your ears with its angular rock. On the other side of the spectrum, Drive Til Morning hands the helm to acoustic guitar and heart stricken vocals. Deep Elm has carefully selected these bands to push the envelope in new directions. With bitter math rock and folksy songsmiths littering the compilation, this latest installment of the Emo Diaries does exactly what any good compilation should: introduces the listener to a variety of fresh and unheralded talent. Here's to another successful venture exposing bands you'll surely hear more about soon!" - Splendid
"The little-known bands on The Emo Diaries Chapter 7 have been hand picked by the boys at Deep Elm based upon what they like, and I must say, they have excellent taste. Me Against The World is yet another page in the success story of the series. The music is incredibly diverse, yet they all have some unifying factor that evokes some kind of emotion from the listener. It's impossible to pigeonhole this album as anything other than good music, and as long as Deep Elm keeps picking out winners, I'll be first in line to get the newest chapter. All in all, Me Against The World is a masterpiece in compiling an incredibly diverse yet congruous mixture of all kinds of good music. " - Agouti Music
"Deep Elm has pulled it off once again with their seventh installment of the Emo Diaries: Me Against The World. I respect the label because they give many small, upcoming bands a chance. They don't just go for big names. I hadn't heard of many of the bands here, but I am very happy that I was introduced to them. One track that immediately stood out was Lowlight by Time Spent Driving. The verse is very mellow and relaxing at first, but then it leads up to the chorus of blasting guitars and vocals. Other standouts include This Beautiful Mess and Tabula Rasa. I completely recommend the Emo Diaries for anyone who wants a mix of great upcoming bands in the independent rock community." - Indie Tabs
"I expect nothing less than excellence from Deep Elm, and they serve up exactly that On The Emo Diaries Chapter Seven: Me Against The World. The songs by This Beautiful Mess and One Starving Day are my favorite. They are pure and raw emotion. This record is a perfect blend of what everyone needs, from screams to lulling vocals. If you've never enjoyed a compilation, then listen to this one..." - Punkbands
"The Emo Diaries Chapter 7: Me Against The World is the next installment in a comprehensive look at indie rockers from around the world. Great idea behind this series because it's an introduction to a lot of bands you might not have heard of otherwise. I have listened to all the chapters and I honestly think that this is the best one yet, with standouts like This Beautiful Mess, Tabula Rasa and Two Weeks From Tomorrow. All in all, there is something for everyone on this disc." - Bedlam Society
"With Chapter Seven of the Emo Diaries: Me Against The World, Deep Elm offers up twelve new tracks in their quest to introduce listeners to lesser-known bands. The styles span the range of mellow to hardcore and hail from the Netherlands to New Mexico. Standout artists on this release include the hard-rocking, guitar-weaving Dorian and the hyper-catchy, melodic rock of The Killing Suspense." - Impact Press
"Me Against The World is the seventh chapter in the ever popular Emo Diaries, which is perhaps the best long-running compilation series of any kind. All of the songs are of top notch production and quality, and Deep Elm never tries to define the sound. There's the bitter track from Tabula Rasa, the beautifully sculpted and mellow Lowlight by Time Spent Driving and the exceptional, splendid and often haunting musical journey from One Starving Day. Other standouts include an angry rocker by Dorian, the acoustic, almost country ballad from Drive Til Morning, a gut wrenching track by Waterpistol and the melancholy sounds of The Killing Suspense. In fact, every single one of these songs is worth a listen. Me Against The World showcases the latest and the best of what emo has to offer. Another essential release from Deep Elm." - Punk Rock Reviews
"The twelve bands on The Emo Diaries Chapter Seven: Us Against The World continue the fine tradition of showing off the best in the genre, and given the exclusivity of the material, this is one heck of a compilation. The first band, Tabula Rasa serves as a rocking kick-start, but the next third of this disc is really where the music elevates itself to the highest level: Dorian, Halifax Code, Drive Til Morning and Seven Head Division all contain loads of tension in their music. Some do it with soaring vocals, others with guttural screams, but overall, each band places the intricacies of passionate music in the forefront. My favorite comes from Waterpistol, whose song jumps out as strong and confident with loads of aggression. All in all, another winner from Deep Elm." - Paste Punk |
