Washington D.C. duo Origami Angel are on a wave of momentum. 2021’s ‘Gami Gang’ and last summer’s addictive mixtape, ‘The Brightest Days’ have made them one of emo-punks most exciting and versatile bands. However, as they return with their third full-length, ‘Feeling Not Found’, it seems all is not well.
For vocalist/guitarist Ryland Heagy, living in an overtly digitally reliable world has led him down a road of introspection. ‘Feeling Not Found’ strung together by songs of anxiety, longing for a purpose, and generally feeling lost. It contrasts the joyful and dynamic sound Heagy and drummer Pat Doherty conjure up.
While the ominous synth-laden ‘Lost Signal’ set out the album’s lyrical narrative, it’s soon interrupted by ‘Dirty Mirror Selfie’ spiky riff, kickstarting Origami Angel‘s pop-punk attack. ‘Where Blue Light Blooms’ plays into a jazzy haze as Heagy’s lyrically anchors down behind locked doors and firewalls. All the while, the pair demonstrate a healthy load of melodic flair and flawlessly dart around genres.
‘Wretched Trajectory’ bounces with lyrical yearning, playful riffs, and soothing piano keys. ‘Living Proof’ glazes on driving emo-rock, eventually tipping over into chugging hardcore territory with angsty vocals before instantly snapping back. ‘Fruit Wine’ dives in with an easycore breakdown amid its radiantly harmonious chorus. ‘Sixth Cents (Get It?)’ rumps up the hardcore punk with a venomous tongue aimed at the modern-day, algorithm-reliant music industry. It’s brilliantly followed up by the rampant ‘secondgradefoofight’ with its angelic intro giving way to distorted vocals and Doherty’s effective drums. Whereas ‘Higher Road’ is considerably classic Origami Angel with its steady emo verses, jagged riffs, power chords, and towering melodic chorus.
The title track rounds out this 14-track effort with a lyrical sense of comfort. Doherty’s riveting drum fills vibrantly explode alongside Heagy’s resolute words; “I can be as here and as real as I want if I want and you’ll never take that away”.
Assisted by Will Yip (Movements, Tigers Jaw, The Menzingers, The Wonder Years), ‘Feeling Not Found’ is Origami Angel‘s sharpest effort to date. Its insightful, and at times, thought-provoking lyrical content hasn’t seen the usual copious amount of energetic hooks be abandoned. Heagy and Doherty continue to demonstrate their musical versatility with assured finesse while showing maturing lyricism.
‘Feeling Not Found’ by Origami Angel is out now on Counter Intuitive Records.
