Apple Valley skramz band Vs Self has been leading a modern screamo renaissance.
By Diego Munoz
Introduction
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Formed in 2018, Apple Valley skramz band Vs Self has been leading a modern screamo renaissance. Currently composed of Kyle (guitar/vocals), Frankie (drums), and Dante (vocals), they have taken influence from bands such as Algernon Cadwallader, empire! empire! (i was a lonely estate), and Explosions In The Sky, to create a unique style of music best described as “farwest screamo.”
The band was born from Craigslist of all places. According to guitarist/vocalist Kyle, “I met the original drummer when he posted an ad on Craigslist and we used to practice all day 3-5 times a week while drinking way too much beer.” The band has done their best to maintain DIY ethics from the very beginning. They’ve done almost everything related to the band on their own, but due to the band’s recent explosion in popularity, they’ve accepted help from others. “We’re doing our very best to make sure we’re able to keep up with our growth as a band without compromising on our ethics” states the band.
Known for their emotional live shows, they create this feeling of unity that most other bands can’t replicate. When I’m at a vs self show, I don’t feel alone. Many others share the same sentiment. They recently sold out the 625 person capacity Teragram Ballroom in Los Angeles months ahead of the show. Emely, a fan who attended the show, stated, “The atmosphere of the show was amazing, everyone was doing their own thing but it’s like everyone connected through the music playing, everyone singing and dancing.” From start to finish everyone was screaming the words at each other, unleashing all their bottled up emotions. I highly recommend seeing them live.
Their debut album “Everything Seems Better Now” was one of my favorite releases of 2020. The incorporation of twinkly guitar riffs and screamed vocals are reminiscent of older skramz and emo bands I loved growing up. I find lyrics such as “I'm always starting over, nothing's ever new, a different city with the same brand of bad news” extremely relatable. Their songwriting is easily one of my favorite things about them. This is a band you need to keep on your radar.
Listen to their music: linktr.ee/vs_self
Watch a live performance: vs self live @ teragram ballroom 7/23/2023