Music lasts forever, but genres certainly don't. Besides ska and Gregorian chant, one genre that seems to be pretty dead and gone is the Bright Eyes-bred emo that consists of mediocre performances and bleeding heart lyricism. Perhaps that sense of unexpected resurrection is what makes Vagabond's debut album, I Don't Know What To Do Now, stand out as something worth getting into.

As is typical for the genre, frontman Luke Deans dwells in the heaviness of themes such as depression, suicide, and mental illness. His candid lyrical approach and harsh vocal takes really make for an authentically uncomfortable listening experience. The make-or-break vocal distortion and general clipping that persists on most songs underscore the unease, but it also contrasts with the abundance of beautifully simple moments, such as the guitar outro on "Ambulance (I Am Nothing)." Many listeners will also be put off by the use of coarse language, but even that seems to serve the purposes of the explored themes. Agonizing may not be the most appealing adjective to describe a batch of songs, but maybe all of the aforementioned aspects are the most appropriate way to address such emotionally difficult topics.

More variety outside of bare electric guitar and vocals would have shown more potential for growth, but it is clear that obvious cohesion was of high importance for these tunes. That being said, Deans' subtle songwriting allows him to maneuver between catchiness, atonality, sadness, and even hope. In fact, the sudden turn towards a Christ-centered hope is what makes everything really come together. If there's one thing that Vagabond's I Don't Know What To Do Now accomplishes, it's reminding their newfound fanbase that the journey is not the end, and both can exist in their proper places.

- Review date: 6/7/17, written by Mason Haynie of Jesusfreakhideout.com

 

 Record Label: Blood & Ink Records
 Album length: 11 tracks: 31 minutes, 37 seconds
 Street Date: June 30, 2017
 Buy It: iTunes
 Buy It: Amazon.com

1. A Memory (0:25)
2. A Self Fulfilling Prophecy (3:14)
3. Déjà Vu (I Am Still Afraid) (4:06)
4. Ambulance (I Am Nothing) (3:08)
5. Nails (1:45)
6. Thanks Anyway (3:10)
7. Paralysis (3:02)
8. Old Friends (2:39)
9. (Un)Settling (2:21)
10. Nineveh (3:07)
11. Teeth (4:37)