Ways Away is a supergroup of sorts, though they operate with the hungry chemistry of a local basement band. Formed in 2019, the lineup features Jesse Barnett (Stick to Your Guns), Sergie Loobkoff (Samiam, Knapsack), Jared Shavelson (BoySetsFire), and Ian Smith.
Their sound is a sophisticated blend of melodic post-hardcore and alternative rock, characterized by Loobkoff's distinctive use of octave chords and Barnett's transition from hardcore vocalist to melodic frontman. Their career arc shows a steady refinement of this sound, moving from their raw self-titled debut to the more expansive and polished 'Torch Songs' and 'I'm Not You'. Culturally, they occupy a space that bridges the gap between the aggressive hardcore scene and the more sensitive, melodic 'emo-revival' or 'org-core' spheres. Critical consensus highlights their ability to maintain a 'punk' soul while embracing high-fidelity production and classic songwriting structures. They are often cited as a prime example of how veteran musicians can evolve without losing their edge, influencing a new wave of bands looking to balance melody with muscle.
Shares alternative rock, post-hardcore, emo (subgenres); raspy, intense, harmonized (vocal style)
Shares alternative rock, emo, post-hardcore (subgenres); defiant, melancholic, urgent (moods)
Shares alternative rock, post-hardcore, emo (subgenres); raspy, intense, harmonized (vocal style)
Shares studio_polished, analog_warmth, layered_dense (production style); alternative rock, emo, punk rock (subgenres)
Shares alternative rock, post-hardcore, emo (subgenres); belting, intense, harmonized (vocal style)
Shares raspy, intense, harmonized (vocal style); road_trip, basement_show, urban_night (atmosphere)
Shares alternative rock, post-hardcore, emo (subgenres); studio_polished, layered_dense, analog_warmth (production style)
Shares emo, alternative rock, punk rock (subgenres); road_trip, basement_show, urban_night (atmosphere)
Shares emo, post-hardcore, punk rock, urgent (subgenre)
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