For a decade, Ohio quartet Mascots have been honing their brand of emo rock. Having started out as a punk group, they’ve evolved to pop-punk through to their current incarnation. Latest single, ‘Vertigo’, captures Mascots‘ proven ability to deliver big, heartfelt melodies, and combine them with uplifting gang vocals, Jakob Fox’s textured drums, and a satisfactory guitar-driven sound.
At its core is a reflective sense of optimism, touching on mental health and self-care themes. With their previous single, ‘Slipping In The Dark’, focused on the idea of change, Mascots guitarist/vocalist Robert Coyle considers ‘Vertigo’ as the “natural evolution” of its predecessor. “‘Vertigo’ is the next step in finding hope, and seeing glimpses of a future beyond the instant satisfaction we so often seek,” Coyle explained. “[It is] a social commentary on quick fixes that we use to tear ourselves down. It is the discovering of new possibilities and finding support to regain a sense of purpose.”
Through line-up changes, global pandemic challenges, and navigating the complicated ins and outs of the music industry, Mascots now seem settled on an identity. It’s one that stylistically is reminiscent of bands such as Yellowcard and Jimmy Eat World, but certainly doesn’t mean Mascots are imitators. Aided by producer Seth Henderson, known for his work with Knuckle Puck, Real Friends, State Champs, and Broadside, Mascots‘ brand of emo rock is sonically warm and melodically luscious and addictive.
‘Vertigo’ by Mascots is available now.
Find Mascots on: Facebook | X (Formerly Twitter) | Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music | Linktr.ee
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